Steering play

[Hogdog]

I have 2006 206 and the steering wheel has some play before the rudder turns. Only really noticable when in te course and you want to make a small correction. You have to turn the wheel about 3 inches before you can feel it "connect" and actually move the rudder.

Also, Where should the adjstable black tab be on the rudder? Little to the left?

[teamseal]

Have you adjusted the rudder tab to put a little torque on the rudder? Also just for caution sake you might want to pull up the floor board in the trunk and visually inspect the rudder and steering system for mechanical slop and loosness.

[Hogdog]

Steering play

I have checked under the trunk floor and everything us all tight where:
1. the cable connects to the coupler 2. The coupler connects to the rudder arm
3. The rudder arm connects to the rudder shaft

I did notice that the cable moves easily about 1/4 inch in and out of the sleeve without the steering wheel moving. Then if I push the rudder harder the steering wheel moves. Is that normal?

I'm not sure how much play there should be, so maybe this is normal. How much does everyone else's steering wheel move before you can feel the slight pressure that the rudder is also moving? Is 2-3 inches on the wheel circumference normal?

While it's unrelated to the play i have, I have not adjusted the tab on the rudder. When you say put a little torque on it, which way should it be pointed, from facing the back of the boat? I have noticed that it is a little hard to turn one direction while under power. Does adjusting the tab help with that?

[NCH2oSki]

I agree with the first advice, load the rudder. If its not loaded it can feel like its sloppy. It's something that can be done while your in the water, just use a cheap screwdriver in case you drop it in deep water. A little adjustment goes a long way.

[AB]

Looking at the rudder from behind the boat, the trim adjuster is almost flush to the right side of the rudder. I have had it flush to the right side, which really helps tracking in the course, but pretty tough to turn right at speed.

I think if your trim adjuster is neutral or left, you will experience a dead zone in steering.

If you think you have slopgrab cable, when the boat is one trailer, have someone grab the rudder and you turn the wheel slowly and the tell you when the rudder starts to move.

The rack and pinion steering can also get sloppy over time. Usually on boats that put a lot of passes in the course, according to the service guy at correct craft that I talked to years ago.

I replaced my cable and steering wheel base a couple years ago..

To check your rudder bearing, turn the rudder with the cable attched, and then with the cable detached. Mine was pronounced harder to tuen with the cable attached.

[Hogdog]

Steering play

Ok. I need to adjust the black part on the back of the rudder. I bet that's it. It's just a hair to the left of center now so I will move it flush to the right and see what that does. Thanks for the advice!!

[Brose]

Did it work?

I bought a 2005 Air 206 a few weeks back with 280 hours on it and although the boat runs great I have the same steering play that you are describing. Did the rudder adjustment work? On the trailer I can turn the wheel a good three inches before before the rudder engages and its hard to believe that adjusting the rudder will solve the issue. Thanks.

[AB]

If you tested the steering wheel and rudder movement on the trailer and you have that much play, it doesn't sound like it is the trim tab adjustment.

I think it is easier to eliminate variables from the back to front.

First, I would make sure the tiller arm and connections are tight on the rudder.

Next would be looking at the cable and then steering wheel.

I think the cable if bad, normally causes hard turning, not slack, so my hunch would be in the tree.
It has been a while since mine, but I think you can take the tree apart and determine if there is slop in it. There is a shaft and lock system that if you look at it while turning, you can see it travels before engaging.

The gears in the rack and pinion steering can get worn and provide some slop. I replaced the cable and steering tree a few years ago and the steering slop went away. I just don't remember how I could tell, but it was apparent when pulling it apart.

[Hogdog]

Steering play

I tightened all bolts under the trunk floor and that reduced it a bit. I'm down from 3in of wheel play to 2in or so. I don't think it will ever be zero. Seems the rest of it is in the rack and pinion setup between the wheel and cable. I'll tackle that when I get some time.

[AB]

That is good to tighten the tiller hardware. Even with self-locking nuts, my cc servce guy said they have disconnected and literally thrown people out of the boat.

Having a "neutral"' trim tab on the rudder only adds to the wishy washy steering.
You might improve your performance with a 30 second adjustment using a Phillips screwdriver.

[ffmedic74]

I have a 216 with the same issue. I think its related to the steering box under the dash.

[DanielC]

It is normal for there to be a little bit of play in the steering cable. there has to be a little clearance between the inner cable (the one that moves) and the outer cable. If there was no clearance, the cable would not move.
Depending on what way you turn the steering wheel, the cable either pushes on the rudder, or it pulls on the rudder. Where the steering cable goes around a corner, when the inner cable is being pushed, it goes to the outside of the corner. When the inner cable is being pulled, it goes to the inside of the corner.
The way around this problem is to "preload" the rudder, with the trim tab, so that when driving in a straight line, minor turns or corrections are always pulling, or pushing the cable, and then the steering cable never goes into the slack point, at least when you are in the course.

As parts in the steering system wear, this play will increase. You very well could need to replace the cable, (most common) replace the helm, ( the bearing between the steering wheel shaft, and the part that holds it), the linkage between the end of the steering cable, and the arm on the rudder. Pumping some grease into the rudder port may help. There is a small amount of play between the rudder shaft, and the rudder port, grease fills this areaand will help, but it will work out.

[bubba]

Great explanation Daniel; common sense prevails. I have been watching this thread since I have noticed on my 2008 SN206 (bought it new in this last February) the steering feels loose. I will be adjusting my rudder tab tonight.

[Mark56]

How did you go hotdog

i have exactly the same problem with my 2006 sv211 was hoping you could fill me in on what was needed to fix the problem As in australia getting any parts is a major operation so any help is most greatly appreciated

[Hogdog]

Follow danielc recommendation. He got it right. Trim the black tab on the rudder all the way to one side. Run the course and if that doesn't work trim it on the other side and try again. Then adjust slowly back towards center from there until it's just enough to eliminate the play. Bring a screwdriver for the water and a snorkel mask.

It will cause the wheel to turn on its own if you let go of it at speed, but it eliminates the play very well.