Rack n Pinion steering for Merc 4.3 TKS

[Billyddot]

I have a Merc 4.3 with rack and pinion steering and the steering has alot of play. The steering wheel moves freely each way before you can feel it "catch" on the rack. This creates alot of oversteer especially at slow speeds.

This sound like it needs a new rack and pinion cable kit? If so, are there good/better/best solutions out there or is there just one "take it or leave it" solution? If there's a best cable kit out there pls let me know what it is, thx my friends!

Ser 1A605923 Mod 4211025UU

 

[Scott Danforth]

First, welcome aboard.

The slop is not at the helm. If you have slop in the steering, its at the drive end. Look at the drive tiller arm

However you are also experiencing "v-bow low speed wander" that is common with all v-bow boats at low speed with a single motor.

The solution for that is not to try to correct. Because you over-correct. At low speeds, your boat will wander side to side over a 20-30 foot path.

 

[Billyddot]

Scott - thx for your input. After doing some web search on the tiller arm I see what you're saying. I'll check it out this weekend. This something I can check myself or did I just enter the professional mechanic only zone?

 

[Scott Danforth]

You need a buddy to help (turn the wheel while you look) and a flashlight. You may need a mirror to get back of the motor if you cant get your head back there

Remember, the steering servo on the actuator will move a bit if the motor isnt running. I suggest having the motor running on muffs at a minimum