Steering wheel not straight

[Mattjphoto]

I bought a boat over the winter and noticed the wheel isn't straight when the boat should be going straight. It's a Teleflex wheel but that is all I know. I tried to take it off but it wouldn't budge. The nut came right off but that's about it. I tried PB Blaster soaking the shaft. Taping with a hammer a few times while pulling on the wheel. I borrowed a gear puller but couldn't get it to clip on so that wasn't helpful. It's not a deal breaker b/c the boat still steers fine but just annoying to look at. Any ideas? Here is a photo of what the wheel would look like if I was going straight.https://flic.kr/p/FyVcxW

 

[Davetowz]

Typically the wheel is keyed to the shaft. The wheel being offcenter could maybe be adjusted out, but not just pulled and reclocked.

 

[Mattjphoto]

Typically the wheel is keyed to the shaft. The wheel being offcenter could maybe be adjusted out, but not just pulled and reclocked.

So are you saying I need to pull the cable from the back of the steering box under the dash?

 

[Scott Danforth]

you can try to adjust the cable end at the motor. It looks like you may have a rack unit and someone pulled the helm apart and didnt assemble it correctly.

the only way to know, disconnect the end at the motor. turn the wheel all the way in one direction. then accurately count the revolutions to turn the wheel all the way in the other direction. now from one end, turn the wheel exactly 1/2 as many revolutions. if the wheel isnt centered, your issue lies in the helm. if the wheel is centered, the issue lies in the adjustment at the motor.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Check the Teleflex website. There are directions for centering the wheel by pulling the cable out at the wheel and winding the cable back in correctly. OR, some older wheels were able to be moved on the shaft. Loosen the nut a couple of turns and get some help to pull on the wheel while giving the nut a rap with a hammer.

 

[Mattjphoto]

I appreciate you guys helping a new boater out. My family is really looking forward to some fishing this summer. Everything else on the boat is ready to go so if I can't figure this problem out it's not the end of the world. It's just more annoying to look at I guess.

Scott: I followed your directions and after 1/2 the rotations back it was off like my photo. Looks like I may need to look at the helm tonight.

Georgesalmon: When I get home from work I'll see if I can find a model number to look up and get directions on removing the cable.

 

[Bondo]

It's just more annoying to look at I guess.

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,.... One alternative is to get a ssteel destroyer type wheel,.... They're the same all the way 'round,....

 

[Mattjphoto]

I disconnected the cable from the helm 6 or 7 times and finally got the wheel and motor straight. It was a lot easier then I thought it would be. Thanks everyone.

 

[robert graham]

I had the same exact experience with my Teleflex steering...finally gave up before I destroyed something jacking around with it....wheel is still off maybe 20 or 30 degrees....I'm used to it now and never think about it....