Power Steering Problem Solved!

[sierrawine]

I've really enjoyed the posts here and taken so much from them. We're brand new cabin-cruiser owners and we've learned so much here already! I thought I'd share our first solved problem with our new Sundancer 250.

After our first outing we had a steering issue - my husband thought it wasn't quite right, too hard to turn, etc. So we searched and searched for issues others have had and it seemed to most likely be the pump. So he changed that. Nope - not the issue. Next he changed the actuator since it showed some definite signs of wear and it seemed logical, given our problem and the number of posts regarding steering (which seemed few, with the pump, the actuator and then the cable being the issue, in that order). No deal on the actuator. Finally we progressed to the steering calbe, which many posts ensured us was NOT EVER a problem. Still, a few others said, "Don't write it off" and we even found a post by someone who'd done all of the things we'd done (but he'd done TWO pumps!) and it turned out to be the steering cable. So, finally, we tried the steering cable and THAT WAS IT!

So just another shout out to the steering cable for those searching. It turned out to be the actual problem and that seems pretty rare but obviously a possibility!

 

[Quint4]

It is almost always the cable. I have seen this talked about in dozens of threads on numerous boating forums? Glad you finally fixed it, enjoy the season.

 

[CV-23]

I replaced the steering cable on my CV-23 a few years ago and it makes a huge difference. Even when your motor is not running, turning the outdrive back and forth should require no strength. The power steering just makes it feel the same while underweigh and eliminating steering torque and from water pressure holding the outdrive straight behind the boat, Mike.

 

[Kingsfr]

I'm new to inboard/outboards, so, here's a question. Should there be a lot of play in the steering? At rest, the boat's steering wheel has about 4 -5 in. of play when turned back and forth. Is that normal, cause it just doesn't seem right to me.

 

[Quint4]

There should be very little play in your steering.

 

[Kingsfr]

There should be very little play in your steering.

Is there an adjustment that could be made or is this a replacing parts issue?
Thanks

 

[duckmnn]

Great steering questions.I do have the same play in my wheel.I thought maybe steering box?

 

[Quint4]

It may be your gimbal ring is starting to "round out" at the top where the swivel shaft passes through. Have someone hold the wheel and try to move your outdrive from side to side. there should be very little play. There is two nuts that should be kept tight at the top of the gimbal ring. They keep it clamped tightly to the swivel shaft.

 

[duckmnn]

I checked one of buddies boats at the marina with a B 3.It's a 2006 with 218 hours on it.It moves the same as mine about 3 inches left or right. When you hold the outdrive tight the wheel moves but the drive is tight and does not budge.All steering components in bilge are tight.Could it be the gear box at helm?