steering slack question
 

I have a 94 Talari 180 that has "play" in the steering. (at least 1 inch either direction). There is no play at the stern drive so it appears that it is coming from the other end by the steering wheel. Can this be adjusted out? How do I accomplish this?
Thanks!:huh:

Re: steering slack question
 

1" of play isn't really bad but it can be a little annoying. Try removing the steering wheel & ensuring that the bolts that secure the steering box behind the dash are tight. Also, at the other end, take a look at where the steering shaft meets the gimble. There are 2 bolts that fasten the gimble ring to the shaft. Mercruiser uses a square steering cable and the two bolts can become slightly loose allowing a little play.

Re: steering slack question
 

Both ends checked out ok. It appears to be near the steering wheel. I was hoping there was a way to adjust it. Any more ideas?:shakehead:

Re: steering slack question
 

Nope. There's no adjustment in the steering head itself. Bottom line is that over time the teeth in the head simply start to wear and then slip occurs. There is always a little bit of 'slop' inherent in the steering assemblies simply due to their design. The only solution is to replace the steering assembly with a new one. If you want to eliminate any slop at all then you might want to consider a hydraulic steering unit but they are very pricey.

One other thing to check is the belt on the steering pump. If they're a little loose it might show up as 'slop' in the steering.

Re: steering slack question
 

Thanks Mikey. I will continue to investigate. I appreciate the help!
BTW, nice looking Shabah you have there!

Propnut

Re: steering slack question
 

I believe I have something similar, where the slop is in the 'back mount rack system' just behind the steering wheel. I imagine I can replace just that part and retain the cable?

Re: steering slack question
 

Nope, one piece... I think I would like to go to rotary steering, does anyone know what the exact length of the steering cable would need to be? Has anyone gone to rotary steering from rack/pinion? and what's my steering cable lenght??

Re: steering slack question
 

No one know's the steering cable length in a 182 Shabah?

Any idea where I can find it?

Re: steering slack question
 

Hi PROPNUT,

Do you have tilt steering? We have it on our Talari and the "U" joint couplers had come loose. If you take the wheel and rubber collar off, turn the shaft and you'll be able to see if that's part of your problem.

WetWilly

Re: steering slack question
 

Thanks, I will check it out. I do have tilt steering.
Propnut

Re: steering slack question
 

Be interested in what you find, propnut, because we have the same problem. I haven't started trouble-shooting it yet.

It is annoying. Coupled with the fact I'm new at this, at slow speeds I weave back-and-forth like a drunken sailor :p

Jim

Re: steering slack question
 

Slow speed "wander" is very typical on powerboats. Your best approach is to avoid trying to contstanly correct it. You wind up looking more like a drunken sailor... :D

Re: steering slack question
 

Yeah, I know. Friend that was with us yesterday joked that it was a good thing I had registration and equipment all in order, cuz if one of the water cops saw us, he'd be almost certain to want to take a look :p

(Actually, we did pass a county sheriff's patrol going the other way, and he never looked twice.)

Every one-in-a-while, probably when I'm not concentrating on it, I get it right and we steer a fairly non-drunken line for a while :).

Jim

Re: steering slack question
 

WW, we have tilt steering on our '94 182 Barchetta, and, as I mentioned already, she's got a bit of slack in the steering. Is the wheel removed by removing those half-dozen or so flat-head screws around the perimeter of the steering wheel hub? Does the rubber flex collar then just come right off?

When I was under the dash, messing with fuses, yesterday, I noticed that as I slightly turned the wheel, that square bar under there moved back-and-forth a bit. Looked like the hardware that secures that could use a bit of tightening, too. Safe to do?

Thanks,
Jim

Re: steering slack question
 

I have a 94 Z225 with Tilt steering as well.. Was a bit annoyed at my steering slop too.. Pictures Please... Pictures on what you do find...