Re: Steering wheel has a lot of play
First determine if the helm has the play or the cable. I'm assuming the boat has a common single cable Teleflex or similar style ROTARY steering (not rack). Rotary helm has big round shape, Rack is long and flat.
- Turn the wheel back and forth just in the "play" area. Watch the ram (motor end) of the cable to see if its moving with the wheel or standing still. If its moving, check the linkage from the end of the ram to the motor for loose connections. Fix if anything is worn or broken.
- Get to the back side of the helm (steering wheel end) and there should be a plastic tube/sleeve. Unscrew the sleeve and slide it back a few inches. This will expose the end of the inner part of the cable. Looks like a coil wrapped around a steel cable and all greasy. Grab hold of the cable where it exits the helm and hold firm with your fingers, then turn the steering wheel. If the helm and gears are OK, the cable will move in and out and there will be practically no play at this point.
If there is a lot of play in the wheel while holding the cable, then the helm is worn and you should replace the helm and cable together.
If there is little or no play while holding the cable, then the helm is OK and the cable needs to be replaced. Cable housings wear from the inner cable moving inside and create a larger sloppy tube for the cable to move in. Where ever there are bends, the wear shows up as play in the cable as the core moves and "bunches" up on the bends.
Check the black cable housing about a foot or so from the helm for a stamped or printed number. Sometimes (depending on how old or what brand) the cable is marked in feet, has the length printed or embossed or has nothing. Remove the cable and either order a new one based on info on the cable, the actual cable length or use the standard measuring formula specified on iboats or by teleflex. BTW, Bolt cutters or a saws-all makes cutting up the old cable for removal easier than trying to thread the whole thing out in one piece. You may also find that electric wires are tied to the steering cable for support. That is not uncommon and they need to be removed from the cable. Be careful to not cut wires.
