Loose (slack) steering

[Phil]

hi,
I have a 02 196 Ski Nautique with approx 1000 hrs. I have noticed the steering wheel has gained about 1/4" movement up and down, which is annoying
I have the tilt helm mechanism. I took the steering wheel off and pushed the helm spline up and down and there was movement but not the 1/4" felt with
the steering wheel fitted. My question is: Do the splines on the steering wheel hub wear with normal use? I noticed some play between the helm spline and the steering hub. Do I need to replace both the helm and Steering wheel?

[Peppylapuew]

My 01 Air Nautique has the same issue, did you get a fix to this or did you just order a new helm? My issue is the wheel has a slight movement in and out, not so much up and down. I wonder if there is a bushing that could be replaced with out purchasing a whole new helm.

[DanielC]

Pretty much you need to buy a new helm.