Need advice from certified Volvo tech

[newport dave]

It seems that virtually every older volvo drive I see has play in the steering fork. Usually about 1/8" play that allows about an inch of movement in the drive. Is there an acceptable amount of play, or should it be tight?<br /><br />Dave<br /><br />

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Need advice from certified Volvo tech

dave<br /> 1/8th there is a lot. but there is no spec on it. the older forks had threaded fasteners but now they are all riveted. as long as the rivets are in good shape it should be ok. that helmet assy is almost 300 dollars on the counter and here in the salt pond its a terrible job to change. most the time i find more play in the area where the fork enters the shield. makes the hinge area look looser than it is.

 

[Don S]

Re: Need advice from certified Volvo tech

I'm assuming the play you are talking about is from the shaft going through the transom shield. Like rodbolt mentioned, there is no spec on it. Some I have replaced the 2 bushings (Plastic) which helped some, some needed the helmut/fork assemble, but measuring at the bushing area on the shaft should show a problem with the shaft. Others needed a new transom shield to stop the movement. The bushings seem to fit snug enough, but the bores are egg shaped a small amount that just multiplies by the time you get to the drive.

 

[newport dave]

Re: Need advice from certified Volvo tech

Thanks Don and Rodbolt. Sorry if I was unclear, I was asking about the steering fork shaft where it goes through the transom shield. The answer seems to be that there should be no play.<br /><br />Thanks again,<br />Dave

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Need advice from certified Volvo tech

dave<br /> as long as its not wandering at planing speeds or leaking water at the shaft seal I usually leave them be. its common. the other extreme is when corrosion locks the shaft and it takes oxy/acetylyne and 5 hours to remove the helmet assy . but a sloppy shaft is common.