Loose steering - tohatsu 6 hp

barnyardie1

Recruit
Joined
Aug 26, 2008
Messages
3
I have a 2 year old tohatsu 6 hp long shaft on my 25' sailboat - it's been used heavily in salt water and so far it's been very reliable.

The only issue is the steering is very loose and the torque control knob on the back doesn't seem to do anything. It gets thrown "out-of-straight" much too easily from wakes, swells, etc. I've cleaned out the control knob several times, but it doesn't seem to have any effect.

Any fixes for this (short of rigging bracing straps to the outboard bracket)? Thanks.

cC
 

TOHATSU GURU

Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2004
Messages
6,164
Re: Loose steering - tohatsu 6 hp

Replace the friction piece on the drive shaft housing. Yours has worn out.
 

barnyardie1

Recruit
Joined
Aug 26, 2008
Messages
3
Re: Loose steering - tohatsu 6 hp

Thanks, Guru!

Is that relatively simple, or do you think it should be done by an expert (at the shop)?

Thanks again!
 

TOHATSU GURU

Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2004
Messages
6,164
Re: Loose steering - tohatsu 6 hp

It's just a couple of bolts holding that section together. You can download a free parts book from our website to get an idea of whats involved.
 

Detail nut

Cadet
Joined
Feb 4, 2011
Messages
8
Re: Loose steering - tohatsu 6 hp

Tohatsu guru: what website are you referring to for a free parts book?
 

TOHATSU GURU

Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2004
Messages
6,164
Re: Loose steering - tohatsu 6 hp

You can download one from internetoutboards.com I no longer own that website....But, it is as functional as ever.
 

pvanv

Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
6,500
Re: Loose steering - tohatsu 6 hp

This happens all the time, when someone thinks they can use the steering friction as a steering lock. It was not designed as that, and if it is overtightened, it will get damaged.
 
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