centering steering wheel

[Kopasetic]

I have a 1987 Chris craft scorpion 350 alpha I outdrive. I'd like to center the steeing wheel, is this a difficult job? Where do I start?

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: centering steering wheel

likely by removing the wheel and shifting it. helms/wheels come in many different forms would help to know what you have.

 

[Kopasetic]

Re: centering steering wheel

Not quite that simple, the wheel can only go on in one position. I am wondering if there is some adjustment at the outdrive end.

 

[Han Solo]

Re: centering steering wheel

If it's rack and pinion type, you have to remove the rack behind the dash, and reposition the wheel, then re-install the rack.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: centering steering wheel

You'll never get it perfect, and anytime the load or wind chages, it affects the wheel. I wish they'd put omnidirectional wheels on these things so people quit complaining about incredibly trivial "problems" like that.

 

[Kopasetic]

Re: centering steering wheel

Not quite that simple, the wheel can only go on in one position. I am wondering if there is some adjustment at the outdrive end.

 

[Kopasetic]

Re: centering steering wheel

Wow WillyB you wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning or something? Trivial?, the boat is almost perfect after8 months of working on it. I agree this is a detail, but, God lives in the details. Before I pull away from a dock I always check to make sure the wheel is centered, all the way in one direction, 1 1/2 turns back. I don't particullary like the wheel but it'll have to do till I find a more suitable one. Sorry I wasted your time Willy

 

[ron7000]

Re: centering steering wheel

I think the steering tube on the transom is adjustable, check there. Two big nuts, like 1.5" diameter over a 1" tube which the steering cable attaches to. Might be able to center the wheel then readjust the tube so the drive is straight.

 

[prockvoan]

Re: centering steering wheel

Yes it can be adjusted if it is a rotor type like telaflex.The way to adjust it is remove the cable from the helm complety,note were the wheel is as the cable comes out,remove the cable,turn the wheel some,then feed it back in,check to see if you have it were you want at.Repeat as needed!

 

[bamadave]

Re: centering steering wheel

There's no room for sarcastic remarks against those who appreciate perfection. Being a pilot, I would refuse to fly a plane that the yoke would not center. A plane is way more effected by load and wind. Not much different than a boat. TRIVIAL MY A.. If you are not willing to contribute in a constructive way, there's no reason to waste our time. Only my 2 cents.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: centering steering wheel

its trivial<br /> but I make a lot of money doing it. if they wish to pay me 75 an hour to keep sticking the cable in and out until I get it centered so be it. but it wont stay long. it will go off a bit again as things wear some. but the only way is to keep playing with the cable at the helm. and repeat as nessasary. the steering system on most aircraft is vastly different from the push/pull single cable steering a boat uses. if they made them more solid and infinatly adjustable you could not afford to use them in the water.

 

[Bondo]

Re: centering steering wheel

Ayuh,.......... I see it as Less than Trivial...................<br /><br />Mount a Destroyer type wheel on it,......... There is No up or down,.. Port,.. Starboard..........<br /><br />Even the Absolutely Best Hydrualic steering systems,...... Can't keep a Centered Wheel.......<br /><br />I also Agree that a Plane is Not a Boat is Not a Car................

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: centering steering wheel

Destroyer wheel...one of the best upgrades you can do. Mine has 3 keyways, so you can "center" it in 120° increments, although I can't imagine why you'd want to bother.<br /><br />