So last weekend I pimped my ride out to take a bunch of sixth graders tubing on the lake. Needless to say I spent a lot of time steering and althought there is no play in the turning, the wheel is rocking side to side like the nut is loose or something. Any suggestions because otherwise I’m going to take the chrome nut off and see what’s underneath (like a second nut).
I think there is a second nut.
Not much detail to work with here.
Most typical steering setups will have a ‘helm’ (hydraulic or geared/cable) with a shaft sticking out of it to which the steering wheel mounts. It sounds to me like the mounting hardware for your helm (to dash) is lose or failing or the material in your dash (into which the helm is mounted) is getting soft/weak.
Or, the helm itself is failing. But, you say you don’t have any play in the steering so I bet the helm itself is OK.
17’ Henry O Hornet
26’ Palmer Scott
I looked at it this evening and before I ruined anything, I pulled the rubber cover up so I could see what I was doing. It’s cable steering but everything under the console looks good. As the shaft comes through the console, it goes into a knuckle where the steering wheel tilts ■■■■■■■■■■. It looks like there is no problem there but I’ve still got the play from side to side, not in the actual steering. I tried to turn the nut but couldn’t get a feel that it was going to loosen up. Might just take it to the shop down the road since I need to get the fuel line checked.
“The good fisherman is surprised when he doesn’t catch fish: I am just the other way around.”
Gene Hill, Passing a Good Time.
If you haven’t found anyting obviously loose, is probably just ‘play’ in the system that has developed from general use. May be getting time for a new cable set-up.
If that’s the case, would you go with a new cable or upgrade to hydraulic?
“The good fisherman is surprised when he doesn’t catch fish: I am just the other way around.”
Gene Hill, Passing a Good Time.
If you have the cash, hydro is super!
Check the nut behind the wheel!![:0]
In most manual helms there is a plastic bushing between the shaft and casing and dries up and wears out. Most likely time for a new helm. I wouldnt waste the money on hydro… only 17ft w/90 isnt it?
I really thought I had it rigged to break during PUOSU… damit!!