Steering Free Play

[bgarry]

Hey all, I'm just wondering what is a normal amount of free play to be expected at the wheel in a Teleflex "The Rack" Rack & Pinion Steering to Mercruiser Power Assist.
I have a 2007 Crownline 180BR and it appears to have approx 20 degrees free play in either direction at the wheel.
I am trying to diagnose the issue and suspect I'll have to replace the rack and cable but I am wondering what to expect free play wise if I replace it.

Brendan

 

[Bondo]

I have a 2007 Crownline 180BR and it appears to have approx 20 degrees free play in either direction at the wheel.

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... Motor runnin', or motor off,..??

There'll be more play with the motor off, than when runnin',.....

 

[bgarry]

Thanks mate.
20 degrees play/dead area when it's not running but still appears to have almost as much play when running.
I did some further troubleshooting and reckon the play is from the helm, I can see some movement in the rack at the point the cable leaves it and basically I can see that part move before the cable appears to move.
I just went ahead and ordered a new rack & pinion steering cable. I was concerned there was an issue with the power steering actuator but I removed the cable and tested it and it seems fine.

 

[Scott Danforth]

there is minimum play between the helm and the cable. usually about a degree or two. there can be more if the rack is worn

however if there is something loose in the back at the transom, you can get more play.

prior to spending money on parts, you should identify where the play is.