Loose Steering Bravo 3

[CDPalmer]

My 2002, 232 BR, with a bravo 3 outdrive started having loose steering when on plane this summer season.  Unfortunately, I don't have much faith in my local mechanics.  I'm hoping someone here has had same or similar prob and can help. 

When on plane and trimmed out the steering will have a dangerous amount of slop.  Meaning, i have to spin the wheel nearly 1/2 the way around to catch up to it. 

Any troubleshooting ideas folks?  I've checked the obvious on the steering cable and steering arm (what i can see inside the engine compartment) and no obvious issues.  I'm concerned because one of the local mechanics had replaced the fitting on the gear lube reservoir.  I suspect it has something to do with his work but maybe not? 

[Babyboomer]

Check your gimble ring I've seen slop in the steering but not that much. Have someone hold the steering wheel tight and then go back and see how much play you have when you push the drive left and right. Not a cheap fix cost around 2 grand, hope that's not your problem but it was mine.

[CDPalmer]

Boomer, I have this sick feeling I'm not getting this fixed for any less than $3000.  If it is the gimbal, would it make any sense to buy a new transom assembly instead of repairing? 

[Babyboomer]

Boomer, I have this sick feeling I'm not getting this fixed for any less than $3000.  If it is the gimbal, would it make any sense to buy a new transom assembly instead of repairing? 

Wait for our resident mechenic to lg in on that question.

[alswagg]

Couple things to check,,,,   Easiest is to verify any movement in the gear case side to side, ie gimble ring slop.  Second is the steering rack/pinion slop.  I have replace a few cables which had a bad pinion to rack relationship.  If the gimble ring needs replaced, I recomend to my customers just replace the ring assy and any other faulty parts.  Still much cheaper than replacing the entire transom assy.  Al