[Royster]

We have a '97 Jubilee Z244 and the steering is very tight and hard to steer. The power steering pump is full and appears to be working. Can the tension on the steering be adjusted and if it needs to be replaced do you have any suggestions?

[WetWilly]

Hi Royster, as far as I know, there isn't any "tension" adjustments for stiff steering.

Four things are normmaly associated to this condition:

1) Binding in the steering wheel assembly. (Parts are worn and/or need lubing)

2) The steering cable. (inner cable is worn/cable lube is dried up/contaminated or both)

3) The power steering system. ( valve or internal pump parts mat be leaking causing drop in pressure)

4) Gimbal pivots. (worn/corroded/out of lube)

For starters, I would begin troubleshooting by isolating the cable/steering box/powersteering from the gimbal as I beleive this is the easiest to do:

1) Start by removing the big pivot bolt holding the cable/powersteering valve to the gimbal steering arm.

2) Now try turning the steering wheel, if it's still tight, your problem is either in the steering box or the cable (I would suspect the cable first), but if it's smooth then it's in the outdrive or powersteering system.

Give it a try and keep us updated so we can assist you further if you need it.

Good luck,
WetWilly

[Royster]

I really appreciate your prompt reply and I'll yet you know what the solution is.

[Niv]

i had the same problem , mechanic said keep driving and it will eventually losen up. Can that be true? we have not taken boat out in 3 years

[ColoradoDiablo]

Niv ,
Find another mechanic.
The system doesn't just naturally fix itself.
Start at WetWillys post above

[mikeyt]

And...do a site search for 'steering' and you will find numerous threads discussing this same topic.