Steering freeplay

[highpowerdad]

So how much free play is ok for a boat, 2005, fourwinns 190h, with the Volvo Penta SX. Seems like there is a lot, with the boat OFF, I can move the top of the wheel through 4 inches of dead band... is that right? Cable? Helm, or just the way it is?

 

[Scott Danforth]

with the motor off your simply shuttling the input shuttle back and forth in the power steering actuator. that is normal. if you look at the tube where the steering cable goes in, that shuttles back and forth (thats how power steering works.

so put the boat in the water and test and you will find you are OK

 

[highpowerdad]

The helm behind the dash rotates too, probably worth an inch at the wheel rim, I don’t think it should do that, but I don’t see where the fasteners are that hold it, do they come in from the Front, I will have to get under there an take a closer look...

 

[Scott Danforth]

there should be zero movement of the helm

pull the center cap of the wheel off
remove the wheel lock nut
the wheel is on a keyed taper....... pull and remove the wheel
under the wheel hub is two screws holding the vanity cover over the helm unit. remove the vanity cover

there should be 3 bolts thru the helm and dash. tighten them

installation is reverse of removal.

 

[highpowerdad]

Ok, all tight now, took a little more to get it apart to get access to the 3 center bolts since I have tilt. Feels a LOT better, though I didn’t actually take it out on the lake yet... the dead band is about 1.5 inches at the wheel now, instead of 3 or 4 with a more consistent feel, it was pretty loose...