Power steering rack attachment
 

I have a 1993 2350Z with Merc 454 and Bravo 1. Whilst tubing a couple of days ago, the steering became heavy and inspection revealed a thin coating of condensed power steering fluid mist over the engine and engine bay. Closer inspection revealed pooled power steering fluid in the carpet and over all equipment at the rear starboard corner, close to the batteries and junctions of the power steering hoses to the rack. On searching for the leak (which I have not yet found), turning the steering wheel with the engine off, to look for ousing fluid, I noted that the entire rack mechism rocks from side to side when the steering is turned from side to side, i.e. it appears loose.

Does anyone have diagrams or description of where the attachments are that fasten the steering rack to the ending/drive. Access is very difficult and almost certainly requires blind use of spanners etc, knowing where the fasteners are.

Any help welcomed.

Clive

Re: Power steering rack attachment
 

Does anyone have photos/pictures/diagrams of the power steering system?

Re: Power steering rack attachment
 

I'm not sure what you are asking. Are you asking about how the steering cable attaches to the power steering unit? I can tell you for a Bravo 3 there is a locking nut on the cable that screws to the power steering unit. The far end of the steering cable housing usually has a flat place for a open end wrench so that you can tighten or loosen the nut without the cable housing turning. The flat place is not easy to reach on top of the assembly in the center of the boat. The cable's end attaches with a straight pin and cotter pin.
If you need something else, you can download the complete Bravo 1-3 service Manual here:
http://www.ta-group.at/dokus/service...avo_drives.pdf

Re: Power steering rack attachment
 

Thank you. A huge help. I really appreciate it. I think I need to replace the steering cable as the steering requires two hands to move and I am not loosing any power steering fluid. The power steering drive belt appears normal and doesn't appear to slip. Any advice on changing the steering cable, such as how to access it, etc. would be most welcome.

Re: Power steering rack attachment
 

I would just disconnect the cable end from the power steering link and check the cable for movement. You find the clevice pin at the end of the cable and remove the cotter pin. Then pull out the clevice pin. That disengages it from the outdrive so there is no load on it. I suggest using a new cotter pin when reattaching the cable.

Re: Power steering rack attachment
 

Gary,

Thanks again. I'll do that this evening.

Clive

Re: Power steering rack attachment
 

Gary. Got the new cable and fitted it. Huge difference; thank you. Went from two-handed steering to one finger steering. Really appreciate your help. Thanks Clive

Re: Power steering rack attachment
 

Gary,

Have been on the Lake four times with the new steering cable and works great. Had loads of fun tubing, knee-boarding, etc. Thanks for the help. Another question if I may. I have a lot of play (histeresis) in the steering. Most of it seems to originate at the clevice pins; the one at the and of the steering cable, and one in another of the steering arms. Both are a relatively slack fit in their respective holes and tend to rock sideways a little before taking up the intended movement. Is there a cure available for this, such as bushes, over-sized clevice pins, etc.?

Re: Power steering rack attachment
 

I am not aware of any such parts that could help. I kinda doubt that the play is anywhere but in the I/O steering lever (#26) and steering shaft (#14) and/or gimbal ring (#1), at least from what the mechanics tell me. And that is a very expensive repair in labor. They say most owners just put up with the play. The attached diagram is for a Bravo unit, but I think others are similar. If you find another cure, I would be interested in it.

Re: Power steering rack attachment
 

Thanks Gary,

I'll take a closer look. However, I had my daughter turn the steering while I had me head in the back next to the steering cable attachment and I thought I saw a lot of rocking of the clevice pins. I'll test it again to check.

Thanks again

Clive