Binding Teleflex Steering After Disassemble

[WellFast210]

To make things easy during a new gauge install, I removed my steering wheel and disassembled the rack and pinion to get dash off.

Now I have a funny binding issue. When turning steering wheel, it gets really hard, but if I ease off the pressure slightly, it instantly frees up until it binds again. Usually when going to turn opposite way. Happens while steering both ways.

Anybody experience this before?

I do know the woodruff key was not in the same position when reassembling. Only observation. No slop in steering. Maybe an inch of travel left to right.

Thoughts on how I can fix?

Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks...

 

[WellFast210]

Anybody? Anything?

 

[Bob_VT]

Did you assemble it right? Were there spacers (washers) between the gear and rack

 

[WellFast210]

Did you assemble it right? Were there spacers (washers) between the gear and rack

Yeah, it got assembled correctly. Just a couple extra parts left over. J/K

My thinking is, (and this is just a thought), after years of being mated in the same position, the internal parts, gear/rack teeth, wear a certain way that it is now like a match set. Since the only thing I did different was not getting pinion shaft in the exact same position, I would think this is probably why.

There is only, what, 12-15 teeth on the pinion gear? Heck, I'll index every gear if I have to. If it doesn't work, I guess I can live with fighting a steering wheel. But now that leads me to another question.

How strong is a Teleflex steering system? Do I have to worry about something breaking when going full tilt, 55mph and losing steering?

 

[Watermann]

I would not just live with questionable steering, they are not very expensive to replace the entire R&P along with the cable. Then you won't have any worries or a disaster on the water, just fun.

 

[southkogs]

Teleflex is good stuff. Nothing to worry about in that sense. But I agree with Watermann ... it's worth putting the money into fixin' it right.

 

[WellFast210]

Thanks guys.Yeah, after I made that reply, I went searching. Turns out it isn't that expensive. But that leads to another question. While searching, I see Teleflex make a rack & pinion that has a "No Feedback" option. It is a little more expensive. But, I sure like the sounds of it.

Do they make this for an I/O? Or is that only for an Outboard?