I have about 8 inches of play in my steering wheel on my '97 2000sc, is that contribu

[Tom D]

I have about 8 inches of play on the steering wheel of my '97 2000sc, is that contributing to the wandering I get when going under 5 knots ? Is that something I could fix or do I need to take it to the shop? Thanks

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[mmwjr]

If you grab the outdrive does it move much side to side before the steering lever reacts? If so the swivel shaft is worn and possibly the gimbal ring.

Also check under the helm to see if the play is in the rack and pinion steering. I have see the bolts that hold the rack on get loose.

[Overboard]

Should be able to adjust the cable and take some of the play out...however, bow wander at slow speed is an inevitability in stern drive boats and and will continue even with an adjusted steering cable, it will just take time and practice to know how to stay ahead of the course correction to keep it straight but you will never get to a point where going at idle you just leave the steering wheel and it goes straight.


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[Tom D]

Thanks for your help, I will check those out tomorrow [emoji106]

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[Tom D]

Nothing like an old pontoon guy, annoyed by bow wandering

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[jrsick]

Tom, how did you find out that you had 8 inches of play? You turned the wheel and the outdrive didn't begin to move until you had turned the wheel 8 inches?
The wandering you describe could be normal.

[Tom D]

I just measured and there is actually only 4" play at the wheel and less than that when I move the outdrive. So I suppose I m just too much of an old pontoon. Thanks

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by Tom D

I just measured and there is actually only 4" play at the wheel and less than that when I move the outdrive. So I suppose I m just too much of an old pontoon. Thanks

If you have an inch or more play moving the outdrive side to side there is to much play. Check the torque on the two nuts at the top of the gimbal ring, should be 55 ft lbs. if play still exists the swivel shaft is worn. Look inside for signs of water leaking where the steering lever is on the inner transom plate.