normal amount of steering play

[SkiDad]

Hi Guys, my boat has the original steering system from 1985 - anyhow i talked to teleflex the other day and they told me how to measure the play and I have about 1.75" of play. i had thought about replacing the steering system but teleflex is telling me that up to 2" is normal even on new. Is this true and would I still have as much play on a new system ?

thanks!

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Where do ya have an inch, 'n 3/4s play,..??

At the wheel, at the tiller, or is some of it the motor/ drive,..??

It takes 3 people, one to hold/ shake the wheel, one to hold/ shake the motor/ drive, 'n the 3rd to Look,.....

If yer boat wanders at low speed/ idle, it's normal,.....
If the steerin wanders at Wot, ya might have a problem,...

 

[Fed]

1.75" at the rim of the wheel is normal.

 

[SkiDad]

Ayuh,.... Where do ya have an inch, 'n 3/4s play,..??

At the wheel, at the tiller, or is some of it the motor/ drive,..??

It takes 3 people, one to hold/ shake the wheel, one to hold/ shake the motor/ drive, 'n the 3rd to Look,.....

If yer boat wanders at low speed/ idle, it's normal,.....
If the steerin wanders at Wot, ya might have a problem,...

it's at the wheel

i disconnected the drag link to eliminate the engine and i turned steering wheel left and made a note of position - then moved the wheel right slowly until i see the cable move.