Loose steering wheel

R

Roscoe

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Apr 2, 2007
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C Dory Year
2008
C Dory Model
22 Cruiser
Vessel Name
C for Two
The wheel can move forward and back about an inch, and we're unsure if this has been the case all along and we're just noticing, or if it's a problem.

Thoughts, experience, help appreciated.
 
Not enough info. Hydraulic steering? Teleflex Cable? Other?
by forward and back, I assume you mean if you pull on the wheel it will come back toward you? And then push it away from you?

Charlie
 
C for Two is a 2008 model with two 40 hp motors. The steering came with it, and we assume it's hydraulic. Yes, push and pull, it moves about an inch.
 
Is there a hydraulic hose at the stern connected to a cylinder? If so it's hydraulic. Look. May be an adjustable helm. Look behind the wheel where all the wires are.

If it works OK, don't try to "fix" it. You might try to ask the former owner or the dealer.

Charlie
 
I'm not quite sure its this simple, but - loosen the set screw holding the plastic cover on your wheel, and take the cover off. There is a nut that you can tighten and that may just solve your problem. Hope its that easy for you!
Eric
 
If it is just the wheel that is moving on the helm shaft, then loosen the set screw, take the cover cap off and retighten the nut on the shaft. However if the entire shaft is moving then you will need to replace the helm. Let me know if you need part numbers or if you would like more information/assistance.

Sincerely,

Scott
 
Thank you for the suggestions. I popped the plastic cap, and find the nut is at the end of the shaft, and will not tighten with midium pressure. I hessitate to force it if in fact the nut belongs at the end of the shaft with an inch of play. Tough to get in touch with the dealer, Y Landing, in New Hampshire.
 
The advice you've been given above is good and I'm not going to improve on that. Having said that, here's a few statements and questions.

First, I assume that the steering is hydraulic since you've popped the plastic cap. Though you haven't said that. If it is, that wheel and shaft just drives a hydraulic pump with a couple of check valves to direct the flow. Let's assume its a normal SeaStar helm/pump.

Given that, if the shaft wobbles or flexes up and down, the fluid would leak out, with consequent loss of steering. Since you haven't mentioned that catastrophe, one may assume that the wheel is loose on the pump shaft.

Why not take the wheel off the shaft, check the threads and see if there buggered. If so take a tap and run it down the threads, check the nut and then try tightening the wheel down. If the shaft still wiggles, replace the pump. You can directly contact SeaStar (if that's what it is): SeaStar

Boris
 
Hi Boris,

Sorry to be so fuzzy. The shaft does not wiggle or move up and down. The only movement is the steering wheel which moves up and back about one inch on the shaft. In all positions, the wheel is tight for steering.

Charlie
 
The nut is a Nylock design, and does take some effort to tighten once it is started. Try removing the nut, and be sure it is threade don square, then get a deep well socket and tighten the nut.
 
Thanks Matt. Will try, then get back with results!

Charlie
 
What I think Boris meant to say but was not totally clear, is if the nut has been cross threaded on the shaft(buggared), run a 'die nut' down the shaft threads. Take a 'tap' and run it through the nut to clean the nut threads or just buy a new nut.
Forrest
 
Ill bet it was never tightened by the factory [who ever it was at the time ...] The boats generally come with steering wheel attached . I would never guess that it would not have been tightened if it didn't move around initially . That's why we sometimes call us dealers final assembly and final QC . You cant catch them all though .....
Marc
 
Gentlemen,

The problem is solved! I increased the pressure on turning the nut and was able to snug it down so there is very little play in the steering wheel. Only one more month of comfortable cruising here on the coast of Maine.

Thanks again to all,

Charlie
 
The Fluid built boats we got had the nut hand tight so we could remove the wheel for installation of the rigging components.
 
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