Mercruiser steering play

[JasonB]

My 888 #1 drive seems to have significant side/side play in the steering. This is a non-power steering V8, 1976 vintage. If I measure the play it probably allows the drive to swing 1.5" to either side if the drive is centered and tilted up. As far as I can tell, the play is from the pivot bolt holding the steering arm to the steering bar. I do not thing the problem is with the tiller arm where it attaches in the gimbal housing. I tried taking the bolt out and didn't see any major wear so I installed a new nylon washer, wave washer and tightened it back to about spec of 18 ft.lbs. There is now a bit less play, but there is still some. How much is normal/acceptable? Las year it was the same and it never bothered me, nut I'm investigating it now that I have installed a new NFB helm and cable (which took out a slight bit of the play as well). Is this just normal for the non PS drives?

[achris]

Jason,You have a worn upper swivel shaft and steering arm. Unfortunately for you, Mercruiser have changed the design of the swivel shaft from splines to a square drive. You'll need to replace the upper swivel shaft, steering arm and gimbal ring. Not a job for the faint hearted.Chris.........

[JasonB]

Can it be done with the engine in, or does it have to come out? I've R&R'd every other mechanical piece in this boat, so one more isn't that big of a deal. Oddly, pushing/pulling the tiller arm back/forth moves the drive with seemingly no play. It seems as if all the play is elsewhere.

[JasonB]

BTW: if I ull the outdrive, should I be able to see the problem components where they are worn to confirm before shelling out the cash for a new ring?

[llerrad]

Just did same job on mine, replaced gimble ring and swivel shaft to go from spline to squ. this because of slop in steering. Can be done without engine removal but be warned due to corrosion on pins and shafts you might end up replacing complete trans. unit as did I. Found good salvage unit and saved cash. Check www.mercstuff.com they will give you a good guide.