Loose steering

[ggoodale]

My 96 has loose steering both to the left and right. There is about 1/4 turn of slop in the steering wheel before the boat reacts. Do I have a bad steering cable of can I fix it by adjusting the rudder?

[Fly100]

RE: Loose steering

At last something I can answer.
The unit which steering rod goes through has now been modified.The new part includes some bearings where as before it was just metal to metal.This will obviously wear over time.Ive spoke to Nautique over this and a new part is £140 (uk pounds).What they suggest was taking it to enginneering works and having the hole machined out to a good size and a bronze sleeve inserted.This should resolve any future probs.

FLY

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Loose steering

See if the arm has loosened from the top of the rudder shaft. Fly100, are you talking about the cable block?

[Fly100]

Re: RE: Loose steering

See if the arm has loosened from the top of the rudder shaft. Fly100, are you talking about the cable block?

Im refering to the bit directly behind the steering wheel.part of the universal joint assembly.

FLY

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Re: RE: Loose steering

Correct Craft suggested re-engineering the helm? Or the dealer? Have not heard that recommendation before.

[DanielC]

RE: Re: RE: Loose steering

My 1996 Ski Nautique developed some steering issues similar to the above. The helm assembly was replaced with some updated parts, that also made a new steering cable necessary.
My steering wheel did not have a lot of right to left play, but it seemed loose moving up and down, or side to side.
A 1/4 turn of play is excessive, and not really normal. There may be a safety issue, or something about to let go. For my own peace of mind, I would find out why.
I would check the pitman arm mounting on the rudder, the cable anchor in the bilge, and all the fasteners that attach the cable to the pitman arm.
Check also the bolts holding the rack on the helm, under the dash.

[Fly100]

Re: RE: Re: RE: Loose steering

Correct Craft suggested re-engineering the helm? Or the dealer? Have not heard that recommendation before.

Dealer suggested it.

FLY

[nms1991]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Loose steering

Check your steering clamp block to see if the pivot is loose and check the mounting bolt to the bracket on the stringer to see if it has loosened up. If it has loosened up remove the bolt and use red loctite on the bolt and re-tighten. Also check your rudder arm(pitman arm) to see if it is loose on the rudder shaft. If you have a loose steering helm(up,down,side to side movement) then get the new replacement from correct craft with bearings. also check your bolt that is on your universal joint in your helm to see if it has loosened up.