Slop in the steering

[joenapier]

I did some homework but I could not find much on iboats about this topic.

I have an Alpha sterndrive and there is about 30 degrees play in the steering wheel. On top of that, under a power turn, the steering is very difficult.

The powerplant is a Mercruiser 260, circa 1985. It has a power steering pump and reservoir but I haven't a clue how it would assist with steering. under the dash is a Teleflex Rack system.

My manual is conspicuously silent on this topic - anyone got any good reference to what is going on in the crawl space between the stern and the engine?

thanks

 

[shimano]

Re: Slop in the steering

Hold the steering wheel while moving outdrive back and forth,see where the play is.if it is in the outdriveThere are 2 bolts on top of the gimbal housing that need to be torqued every year.I just did a freind's and removed all the play in her steering.They need to be torqued to 55 ft lbs.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Slop in the steering

My manual is conspicuously silent on this topic - anyone got any good reference to what is going on in the crawl space between the stern and the engine?

Ayuh,... It's Very Well covered in the Factory manuals found up in the Adults Only section at the top of this forum....

With a helper shakin' the steering wheel, then the outdrive,...
You should be able to isolate exactly Where the Slop is....