steering ways?

[floater180]

i have a 2005 captiva 212 xr1 with 350 mag mpi. the steering on this boat seems a little loose when under way and planed out, i can deal with that, but at no wake speed(pun was intended  ) it has about just under 1/4 turn of steering wheel to keep it straight, when at cruising about 1/8 turn of play. i checked the power steering ram and noticed play where the cable goes into the ram, by the cable's lock nut, moves from flush to going inside housing 1/8". is this normal? any info will be helpful. thanks guys, jim

[hrolson3]

I don't claim to be any expert.  But I have heard that there is a nut of some sort by the gimble bearing that needs to be tighten occasionally.  Next time you have it out of the water try to move the lower unit.  From what I've been told if there is play in the lower unit, that nut needs to be tightened.  I'm sure some of the other members will have some good advice.  Good Luck.

[AlexisandChad]

I agree with hrolson, there is an adjustment that needs to be made.  On my steering its at the end of the ram.  If you can't find it or don't know I would seek out some help.  Better to be safe than sorry. 

[carrj]

I seem to have the same problem on my 2005 232 CC. There is little to no movement from the outdrive if moved from side to side so I feel the gimble ring is good. Maybe someone can post a pic of the adjustment nut  on the ram.

[Babyboomer]

To check the gimble ring have someone hold the steering wheel firm then go back and move the drive by hand left and right to see how much play you have. If you look at a gimble ring you have an aluminum ball with a stainless steel shaft to move it so guess who's gonna win. Mine went out a couple years ago not a cheap fix.
http://www.sterndrives.com/steering_play.html

[stlouisramsfan]

I had a similar problem with my 192. Steering very loose. if i went to the out drive, the unit could slide left to right without moving the steering wheel. Gimble ring and bearing had to be replaced, cost over 2 k, but drives like a dream! I would have your mechanic (if he is qualified) pull the drive and check alignment when you get it winterized....

[floater180]

i checked out the lower unit as the diagnosis as the link described here's my findings.... with the wheel held tight it will not move to the left, at all.... but it has some play to the right.  i also had someone hold the wheel and someone move the lower unit and i looked at the ram and i saw movement where the cable hooks up to the ram, by a nut, the mount where it goes onto the ram has play, like maybe the press fit came loose. sounds wierd, any more input or ideas on what to check next?