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View Full Version : Taking slop out of steering



Sagbay32
08-19-2001, 08:23 PM
I have a little slop in steering and was wondering if it was an easy fix?
1995 18 w/350 mag and alpha.......all stock w/ 50 hours on her.

RickR
08-20-2001, 10:56 AM
When you find a solution let us know.
Merc power steering is AWFUL, especially for a sport boat. About 75% of the slop is in the steering actuator the rest is in the Big T helm and cable.

If you have deep pockets go donzitester's route and add hydraulic steering.

GeneD
08-20-2001, 07:21 PM
Can you grab the outdrive and move it back and forth without the steering wheel moving?
If so, it is in your gimbal. The steering actuator arm. You could try tightening the bolts at the arm itself, and on the outside, there should be two bolts at the top, tighten them too.
If that don't work, major gimbal work is involved. Try not to think about it too much.
Cable? You know what to do.

blackhawk
08-20-2001, 10:03 PM
I am in the process of replacing my gimbal ring right now. Not fun!!! :( If it is the gimbal, you can see the slop where the u-bolt is. The gimbal will move back and forth and the steering shaft doesn't move.

Sagbay32
08-21-2001, 08:50 PM
From the sounds of it I will live with a little slop at the wheel!