Dead Spot in Steering on 94 Cobalt 255

[mikeblas]

I have a 1994 Cobalt 255 with a Volvo 5.7 injected engine and a dual-prop drive.

I've noticed a dead spot in the steering system. I was tempted to replace the steering cable and helm rack unit to eliminate the issue. I spent the morning digging around in the engine compartment and under the helm to find a part number. (I've got one -- a Morse 200 Command cable set is installed, so I figure it's the original gear. The cable is 17 feet long for anyone who stumbles upon this thread after a search!)

After cleaning up, I tried moving the wheel while watching the steering assembly. Of course, I can't clearly see the linkage while at the helm, but I can see parts of it. If I move the wheel towards the end of the dead spot, I see the cable move in the assembly where it is anchored behind the engine with the power steering assist pump. The whole assembly seems to move, not just the end. If I push through the dead spot, the movement stops and I start moving the drive itself.

What's the likely problem? Is some part of the bracketry loose? Has the power assist failed? Would replacing the cable still be advisable?

 

[mikeblas]

Re: Dead Spot in Steering on 94 Cobalt 255

I got a closer look at the steering assembly while an assistant moved the steering through the dead spot. The cable's end screws to a sleeve in the steering assembly. That sleeve seems like it should be anchored in the steering assembly, but isn't; it shifts about half an inch while the cable pulls or pushes before the rod swaged to the end of the steering cable actuates the lever connected to the out drive.

What is it that fastens the anchoring sleeve into the rest of the steering mechanism?

 

[crablegs]

Re: Dead Spot in Steering on 94 Cobalt 255

Just buy a few nylon bushings at the hardware store and close the gap up