[matt1840]

Hey guys purchased a scarab 22 With bravo 1 and have about 4-6" of steering slop in the wheel... Anyone have an idea on what it could be...

If there's a few possibilities list from easiest fix to worst case scenario and I'll check in that order.

If it's a major repair anywhere in town work on these drives? Sacramento CA

 

[Grand Illusion]

Steering cable
Cable and helm
Steering actuator on transom - rare
Slop in the gimbal assembly

 

[matt1840]

when you say cable or cable and helm, are there adjustments within these to take out play? or basicaly get new helm and cable...


i checked the gimbal and ive got maybe 1/2" play to either side.. i dont think that would give me roughtly 3-4" of wheel rotation before i feel some sort of steering resistance...

 

[Grand Illusion]

No adjustments the cables just stretch. I generally prefer to change the helm and cable but the cable is often most of the problem

 

[BDMarine]

4' to 6" of play will 90% chance be the gimbal ring where it clamps on the steering pin. Have someone watch the steering arm inside the boat and move the drive back and forth JUST the amount of play. If the steering are doesn't move or moves minimally that is the problem. Try torquing the two nuts at the top of the Gimbal Ring. If they are tight, the Gimbal ring needs replacing.
If the arm moves consistantly with the drive, find what isn't moving and that will be the problem area.

 

[matt1840]

I measured the drive free play, holding a tape measure to a static surface from one side to the other is only 3/4" total. Not very noticeable. I'll have someone watch the steering arm like u said.

I've seen much much worse though...

If I rotate the wheel throughout the 3-4" of slop and the steering arm doesn't even come close to moving would you guys assume worn helm or cable?

 

[Grand Illusion]

Yup

 

[TIMINATOR]

It may be slop in the power steering ram pivot pins, there are two big ones between the ram assembly and the transom plate, and usually when those are bad the other pins (small ones) that hold the ram in its housing by its base wallow out the cylinder base pin holes. If it is the later style, we have new steering assys. at a great price, and if its the old style your choices are get the Mercruiser kit to upgrade to the later cylinder assy.(expensive) or we can rebush the big bushings with replaceable oilite bronze units, and resleeve where the small pins go into the cylinder base. We also include and install a new guide bushing for the cylinder rod. But first see if the slop is in the helm and cable, thats the cheapest way to eliminate slop, if it isn't the steering arm pinch/u-bolt interface, then, if that doesn't take out enough, call and we can discuss the steering ram type and options. We are located in West Phoenix,AZ. 623-877-8553 TIMINATOR