Loose Steering Wheel

[Erik]

The steering wheel in my boat had a lot of slop in it. The cable is fine but you can take the wheel and move it up and down 3/4 of an inch. I tightend up the housing which was a little loose an it made it a little bit better but not really enough. When I removed the back plate the whole inside was moving as I wiggled the wheel. Where can I tighten this up? Is it on the shaft that goes all the way to the wheel or is it one or all of the bolts you see when you open the back up?
[This message has been edited by Erik (edited March 21, 2002).]

[ratso]

Sounds like you need a new steering head. If everything is tight externally, I would get the head or possibly a new system. By no means would I try to work on the internal parts

[DesertDog]

What kind of steering system are you using Erik?Is it rotary?rack?tilt helm?

[spectras only]

Erik, either Morse or Teleflex systems have bushings for the steering shaft that can be removed, and another one made on a lathe.Try to find someone on these boards who have a lathe at home or work,and ask to make them for you for a few silvers.You can make the bushings out of bronze or even brass,or teflon.

[396_WAYS_TO_SPIT]

HEY ERIK, I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM YOUR HAVING. LET ME KNOW HOW YOU FIXED IT WHEN YOUR DONE! THANKX MICHAEL,

[Erik]

Well, thats not the simple answer I was hoping for. I guess I'll open it up again & take off the steering unit & have a look at the bushings. Thanks guys

[Erik]

I took the steering out last night and the bushing that the the steering shaft rides in is pretty worn & loose. Unfortunately its not a simple bushing that I could buy at a hardware store. I'm going to start checking the marine parts stores around here & see if I can order a replacement. Anyone have any contact information for Morse?
[This message has been edited by Erik (edited March 28, 2002).]

[spectras only]

Erik, I've got the morse catalog in front of me,but they don't list a replacement bushing in there.Here's the address and ph #.21 Clinton Street Hudson,OH 44236. ph;216-653-9161 .telex:986441 Here are some part numbers for drive only.Rotary steering Drive mech;067834. Cable for 21 feet boat; Red Jacket: E68064252IN870P
[This message has been edited by spectras only (edited March 28, 2002).]

[Erik]

Thanks, I'll start with the them.

[Erik]

We'll I've called or visited just about every boat shop that I can think of. You can't get parts for a morse steering unit that old.
I'm going to try to slip in a thin nylon shim inside the bushing & see if that wont eliminate the slop.
396_WAYS_TO_SPIT, I'll let you know how that works. If your steering is newer you should be able to find you part, mine appears to be original so I'm SOL.

[superdave013]

Erik, I might be able to help you out.
Can you send me a pic of the bushing so I can see what if looks like? If not maybe you could fax me a sketch of what you need. Fax it to me @ 714 632-9268. If you fax f don't do it until Monday as I'm getting ready to slip outta hear for the weekend http://free.***boat.net/ubb/smile.gif

[Erik]

Thanks Dave, If this shim thing doesn't work tonight I'll bring in the part to work on monday, take a picture of it & send it to you or post it so everyone can see it. Either way I'll post on monday with the results.

[Erik]

The shim worked! I had to grind it down to the right thickness but it fits good now. No more play.

[LEMON SQUIRT]

hey I just bought a steering cable and it came with a new steering column (morse)its a short column (pretty standard) I dont need it if anyone wants it I can send it too you for cheap its A morse rack and pinion.

[396_WAYS_TO_SPIT]

HEY LEMON HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT? I WOULDNT MIND HAVING A SPARE.

[LEMON SQUIRT]

396 I'D HAVE have to check but I dont think more than fifty bucks or less I got the long column so its no good too me still in the bag and complete all it needs is a stearing wheel. let me know

[396_WAYS_TO_SPIT]

lemon, as soon as you know email me at MRFIERMAN78@hotmail.com and let me know what you want for it.

[mister460]

Guys, check out www.boatfix.com (http://www.boatfix.com) . They have Morse units for something like 94 bucks. That's where I'm getting all my cables from. 33C control cables for around 17 bucks, also!

[LEMON SQUIRT]

396 cant seem too get hotmail going but $60 bucks and its yours like I said its all there column gears plastic cover all still in the bag. everything but the cable and steering wheel MR460 says 94 dollars I'll take $60 and I'm in sacramento CA.