Alpha Gen 2 Swivel Shaft

[JCJC]

I have some play in the wheel (~1.5" to 2"?) and the shop is telling me that something associated with the upper steering swivel shaft pin on my 2007 Alpha Gen2 sterndrive is showing signs of wear. They said that in order to repair it they would need to either pull the engine or cut some holes (in the gimbal ring?). Does that sound right? What parts typically need to be replaced, steering lever, swivel shaft, gimbal ring, all 3?

 

[Stinnett21]

I have owned my A1 G2 for 20 years and put 1600 hours on it. My gimbal ring was replaced around 700 hours and it was done by drilling into the sides of the gimbal housing at the top. So now I have the frankenstein plugs on each side. This was done because it had too much play, more than I could live with. More than what you describe. Steering arm, swivel pin, gimbal ring are all wear components. Having some play in the wheel of an A1G2 is a fact of life. Mine has about what you describe above today and it's not gotten any worse for several years so I just live with it. Because mine has already been drilled I have access to the nut holding the steering arm, I have torqued it to spec and also the gimbal shoulder bolts but no improvement was gained. I think once pressure creates divots in the metal no additional tightening can correct it. I think most of the demise of the original gimbal ring occurred when the kids were little and many engine hours were spent swinging tubes. I've also heard metal quality has declined over the years.

 

[Scott06]

I have some play in the wheel (~1.5" to 2"?) and the shop is telling me that something associated with the upper steering swivel shaft pin on my 2007 Alpha Gen2 sterndrive is showing signs of wear. They said that in order to repair it they would need to either pull the engine or cut some holes (in the gimbal ring?). Does that sound right? What parts typically need to be replaced, steering lever, swivel shaft, gimbal ring, all 3?

Yes there are two ways to do it.

1. pull the engine - which depending on the boat may or may not be easiest. If a typical bowrider, if you know what you are doing is an hour to pull the engine.
2. you can access the steering lever by using a kit like this cutting access holes in the gimbal ring https://www.jrmarine.com/instructions.htm

Depending on where there is wear and or corrosion yes steering lever, shaft or pin ( would replace with aftermarket stainless from NuWave Marine), and maybe gimbal ring. Hard to say with out seeing yours but yes sound right given the large amount of play.

Other issue is if that breaks under way and at speed you will loose steering and who knows what happens. Any of the parts that show any wear and slop it is prudent to replace.

Either method works. My friend who has a 28 ft did the repair kit from the outside because there is a lot of boat around his engine. On my boat (21 ft bowrider) I would pull the engine because it is relatively easy on that boat design.