One way steering

[Fishing with Fow]

I recently replaced my whole steering system (rack steering)

Everything was working perfectly. However, I recently bottomed out in an unmarked channel going about 5MPH. No major damage but since it happened, the motor will only turn one way. I am lost.

The motor will turn when out of water but seems to slip/skip.

I unbolted the rack thinking it wasn't gripping but that didn't seem to do anything.

Any thoughts?

Again, brand new steering system. Motor pivots freely when not attached.

 

[alldodge]

Sounds like something damaged the rack gear. Only way to find out if take it apart and inspect both rack and helm gear

 

[Scott Danforth]

could be the cable is damaged (only able to push)

could be the helm rack is damaged

 

[Fishing with Fow]

I will start with the helm rack as both people mentioned that.

The cable does push and retract when not attached to the motor.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I will start with the helm rack as both people mentioned that.

The cable does push and retract when not attached to the motor.

that would indicate either skipping teeth at the helm or a broken cable.

 

[Fishing with Fow]

that would indicate either skipping teeth at the helm or a broken cable.

You are being more helpful than you know. Not much about it online.

Skipping teeth would simply mean the rack isn't bolted down properly?

How do you determine if the cable is broken? Thats extremely disheartening where I just bought a whole new system.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you bought a new system, it worked.....then you ran aground. not the new systems fault. that is your fault

as we stated, you may have broken your new system

if the cable is broken, measure how much the rack moves and the motor end moves both in going in and coming out. the motor end will not move the same distance as the rack end.

if the teeth are skipping, then yes, look at the helm. you may not have the (4) 1/4" bolts tightened fully. the rack needs to be bolted tight to the helm.

also, inspect the helm teeth. they are powdered metal and do wear.

 

[Fed]

What about the fixed cable sheath at the motor end, does it go through the tilt tube or is it attached to the transom?
If transom mounted it may have slipped.

 

[Fishing with Fow]

What about the fixed cable sheath at the motor end, does it go through the tilt tube or is it attached to the transom?
If transom mounted it may have slipped.

It goes through the tilt tube. Otherwise, smart thinking.

 

[Fishing with Fow]

I completely reassembled everything. Both the gears on the rack and helm look just as they did new. The steering cable itself doesn't appear to be bent. The development here is that the steering is completely functional (will skip once every 50 times) IF i put pressure on 6 o'clock on the steering wheel. It'll continue to not turn if I don't put the pressure on the steering wheel. Thoughts? All bolts on rack cannot be turned a cm more.

 

[alldodge]

Somehow the pressure between helm gear and rack has been reduced.

 

[Fishing with Fow]

Somehow the pressure between helm gear and rack has been reduced.

Can you think of how to fix this? Its functional but rather annoying.

 

[alldodge]

No clue, would have to put my hands on it to even attempt.

Helms I'm use to have cable wrapped around helm gear

 

[Chris1956]

The steering wheel is often held onto the steering bezel with a nut and a key. Perhaps the key is sheared?

If not look for a crack in the bezel casting, allowing the slip.

 

[Fishing with Fow]

I want to thank everyone who helped. It ended up being a cracked key. (Chipped) Surprising considering the speed i was going. Turning on a dime again.

Again, thank you guys all so much. Happy boating and fishing. May you stay safe and healthy.

 

[Fishing with Fow]

The steering wheel is often held onto the steering bezel with a nut and a key. Perhaps the key is sheared?

If not look for a crack in the bezel casting, allowing the slip.

Chris, it was the key. You saved me a lot of money and frustration. Thank you good friend.