Steering wheel tilt-Teleflex Tilt Helm

Big Carni

Resently my steering wheel has been starting to vibrate on take off and is getting worse. Further investigation tells me that the tilt mechanism is loose or wore out. When you hold on to the steering wheel title button and shake the wheel, you can tell that is where the play is at.
Has anyone fixed this on their own before? How hard is it and where can I go to get the right parts? Any info would be helpful and appreciated!

bradb · Outlaw Joined: 09 Jan 2004 Posts: 204 City: Parksville

I don't remember where I got the parts (um... Actually, I think I got it through my nautique dealer, but negociated with him on the price since I found it on the web much cheaper), and it was a cinch to replace. It probably took half an hour.
Um... If I remember correctly, it involved removing the steering wheel, and undoing a couple of bolts. That's about it. No tricks or special tools required. Next time I get out to my boat I'll have a closer look at it if no-one else has replied by then.
laters,
B

Big Carni · Posted: May 29, 2004 9:29 am Post subject:

thanks for the info. I just did a search on the web for "teleflex tilt helm" and got a bunch of results, so I guess I need to find out exactly which one will work. They all appear to be slightly different. After reading your response, I will probably just try to tackle this one myself and save the $300 that Mastercraft wanted.

Thanks,
Scott

Partyb · Posted: May 29, 2004 11:55 am Post subject:

Are you sure your prop's not bent? Why would your wheel only vibrate on takeoff?

Big Carni · Posted: Jun 01, 2004 6:24 am Post subject:

I just checked the prop now that you mentioned it to make sure and there isn't even a nick in any of the blades. It only vibrates when the boat is really loaded down w/ the the fat sacs, otherwise it does OK.

The steering wheel itself just feels really loose and it appears to have about 1/4" or more of travel when it is locked into place. Mastercraft told me that the tilt mechanism was wore out. They said it happens all the time from people pulling on it to get out of the drivers seat and using it as a "Oh crap" handle when hitting big waves.

I tried to take it out this weekend and can't figure out how to get the top bolt off. It appears to have 3 large bolts holding it to the dash, but the top one is mounted about the steering rod that goes behind the kick panel. Not sure if I have to take that out too or if there is some other way to get it out of there. Once I get it done, I will update this just in case someone else needs to do the same.

bradb · Outlaw Joined: 09 Jan 2004 Posts: 204 City: Parksville

Big Carni,
I haven't been out to check my boat yet (I busted up my knee a bit in a waterski tourny this weekend...) but I don't remember having to take anything apart around the steering cable. You might have to tilt the wheel or turn the wheel to get at some of the bolts.
Hope that helps a bit.
B

lanceuga33 · Outlaw Joined: 16 Oct 2003 Posts: 143 City: McDonough

Big Carni, I had the same problem with my steering vibrating(making vibrating noises) it was actually the steering rack behind the dash. It only did it out of the holeshot and especially if I started out with the rudder not straight. Put on an ACME prop no problem since.