rack and pinion steering slips

[79camaro]

I replaced the teleflex cable on my boat a few months ago and I am having an issue with the steering that I am not sure is really an issue or just how these systems work. When I am at the right or left extremities the wheel keeps turning, so the teeth on the pinion seem like they are skipping? Is this normal?

 

[southkogs]

Re: rack and pinion steering slips

No. Not normal at all, the steering should go lock to lock. Did you replace the rack and helm when you replaced the cable?

 

[5150abf]

Re: rack and pinion steering slips

Yup, sounds like the rack is failing and I think it is only a matter of time before it starts doing it everywhere else too, look into replacing it.

I had a rack that went bad and it is pretty scary turning the wheel and only hearing clicks.

 

[southkogs]

Re: rack and pinion steering slips

I had a rack that went bad and it is pretty scary turning the wheel and only hearing clicks.

It can also be kinda' funny ... a couple of years ago, I had a rack let go but only figured it out leaving port. I pulled off the pier and started heading out of the marina (left turn, then straight). Once I cleared the no-wake buoy, I started a lazy turn right. As I began to straighten out the wheel ... the boat kept going right. Yup ... all I could do was right circles for a few minutes

Figured out I had better steerage going backwards (the force of the outdrive would move the rack back to where the teeth were working), and backed all the way back to the pier.

 

[79camaro]

Re: rack and pinion steering slips

Well I just replaced the rack, but not the helm. I guess that's my next move. It's fine under normal operation, just at the extreme left and right it skips a bit.