Hard Steering Wheel...

[Fullspectrum]

...I took my first boat out and it ran great. Only problem is...since I'm a first time boater...is the steering wheel suppose to be hard. It's like driving a car that ran out of power steering fluid. I really have to put some hard pressure on the wheel to get it to turn. I checked it out when I got home...looking to see if I need to grease anything, but didn't know where to begin or how to solve this problem. Any suggestions?

 

[AnonymousBoater]

Re: Hard Steering Wheel...

I had the exact same problem, first boat I ever owned, first time out, strained the crap out of my arm.

I'm assuming your boat is not hydraulic? Mine has a rack and pinion steering system by Teleflex. The steering cable, including the rack, had to be replaced (its one assembly). It took about an hour to do on my Larson 174. The cable I believe had gotten a tad bit of water in it and it rusted over time.
Easy fix.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Hard Steering Wheel...

How does it feel when not at speed? If its easy to turn when sitting still its not the cable binding.

 

[Fullspectrum]

Re: Hard Steering Wheel...

It feels the same as it sits still and as it's running.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Hard Steering Wheel...

disconnect at motor, if still stiff time to replace. you have crawl under the console and see what kind you have. rotary or rack.

top is rotary, bottom is rack

 

[Fullspectrum]

Re: Hard Steering Wheel...

I think I have the rack.

I'll take some pictures.

 

[Fullspectrum]

Re: Hard Steering Wheel...

Ok...so if I was to disconnect the motor cable, do I have to do anything else besides disconnecting it? If so...is this where I need to disconnect and should I be worried that I might mess something important up?

From what I understand...disconnect and then reconnect the cable.

This is the rack I believe...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Hard Steering Wheel...

you do have rack. to test the cable and motor disconnect the joint in the pic below, the motor should turn freely, then turn the wheel. if stiff then start taking it apart. the big nut, in your picture is the one that hold it in place that is the one you remove, not the small one.

what motor do you have, can't tell what hp. a rotary system is much more owner friendly, and easy to install, uses the same holes. i only use rotary systems.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Hard Steering Wheel...

If you disconnect that arm and the steering gets easy to turn then you know its the engine bracket and not the cable.
Have you greased all the fittings?

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Hard Steering Wheel...

A little hard to tell in your under dash photos but it looks like there's some rust on the pinion / steering wheel shaft. Something else to look into.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Hard Steering Wheel...

Does not look like a big motor and should not take much effort to move the steering. If there is any question in your mind at all, PLEASE replace the steering system. Believe a complete system will not cost over $150 , time and money well spent. Experience talking here. regards FRED

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Hard Steering Wheel...

I am back. Gave it some more thought and now insist you replace the steering. Do it or I will drive by your house, I know where you live. FRED

 

[Fullspectrum]

Re: Hard Steering Wheel...

My motor is a '78 Evinrude 35 Hp.

So, do you mean by disconnecting this nut?

I would replace the whole thing, but I spent too much getting this boat ready already and it might have to wait. So I would like to do what I can before I really have to replace the entire steering system.