Steering System Question

Dan Cowett · Post by **Dan Cowett** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 3:14 pm

Hey Folks
I just finished up the steering replacement job on my 2000 26x. I went w/ the Ultraflex Racktech recommended by Blue Water Yachts. It works great smooth as silk. The only question I have is that there is still a little bit of play in the system as was with the Detmar. I tightened every thing as much as possible. How do you get that play out? It seems as if there is a space between the captivation bolt and the push rod at the stern connection (creates knock when moving right to left) that can be causing the play in the steering.
Any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
Dan.

Sloop John B · Post by **Sloop John B** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 5:20 pm

Jiminy, what's BWY doing with Rackteck thing?

If you'd been on the board longer, you would have used the Teleflex.

A little play doesn't hurt. My Deere is free from 12:00 to 4:00. Whips freely and a little nudge here and a little nudge there and I'm still on the lawn.

PeteC · Post by **PeteC** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 6:05 pm

My system (new Teleflex) has a lot of slop in the motor to steering mechanism linkage, with some slop also in the rudder to steering mechaism linkage. No slop in the Teleflex unit.

Someone on the board had used ball/socket type attachments instead of pins to remove the slop, but I don't recall any of the other details.

Post by **kmclemore** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 8:02 pm

PeteC wrote:Someone on the board had used ball/socket type attachments instead of pins to remove the slop, but I don't recall any of the other details.

I think this is the one you're talking about, Pete.

PeteC · Post by **PeteC** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 8:30 pm

kmclemore

Yes, that's it. I wonder if we can replace the pin connections with the aircraft joints.

Joe 26M Time Warp · Post by **Joe 26M Time Warp** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 4:13 am

First off I know you guys are all X'ers - and I don't know that your Detmar steering unit is the same as the 03 -04 M.
But, from what I've seen all the slop in the steering is MacGregor's doing, and changing from Detmar to Teleflex to Ultra whatever isn't going to change that.
If I assume correctly that the same mechanical light weight designed the X steering as well as my M, changing to bushings or bearings through out the steering system is all you really need to do.
Recently having the steering unit out to install my new throttle, I was pleasantly suprised to see how little play there is in the Detmar.

Post by **kmclemore** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 6:41 am

In racing we always just called them 'rose joints' or 'Heim joints' but I think the proper name is 'Spherical Bearing Rod Ends'. They come threaded in right- and left-hand so you can properly adjust 'toe-in' once installed, and also in internal (female) or external (male) threading. Here is one supplier with a good range, or you could contact any local bearing supplier - they're pretty commonly available.

In fresh water applications, you could go with a stainless/bronze composition bearing, but for salt water the best bet is one with a stainless/polyester or PTFE composition.

BTW, rubber protection boots are also available for these joints - they slip over the joint (sometimes it helps to gently heat them in warm water first) and do a pretty good job of keeping out the grit and water. I guess if I was going to use rose joints on my Mac I'd use the boots and pack them with marine grease to keep down the water and sand damage.

Dan Cowett · Post by **Dan Cowett** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 3:51 pm

Thanks for the info guys!
FYI, Ive been on this list since the early days 2000 when I purchased my boat. Ive read about the Teleflex system. The only reason I chose the Ultraflex was the folks at BWY highly recommended it and also commented that I may have future problems w/ the other option (not sure why). Im satisfied w/ my choice - mostly because the job is complete and it works the parts were comparable in price and a reputable dealer (BWY) is installing this system as a replacement for the failed original parts.
I appreciate all the help and information on fixing the sloppy steering and will get to work on it right away. A wealth of information is always here. Thanks to all.
Lets go sailing.

Cheers!
Dan.

Randy McCotter · Post by **Randy McCotter** » Wed Jun 29, 2005 12:20 pm

.... Who's having a problem with thier steering. I just bought a 2002 26X and Mine is really stiff. My Dealer says to use a "uniflex" unit rather than the teleflex. They cost the same and he "claims" they are very comparable. Has anyone installed and/or worked with these systems? Which one is best and why???

mike · Post by **mike** » Wed Jun 29, 2005 12:30 pm

Randy McCotter wrote:.... Who's having a problem with thier steering. I just bought a 2002 26X and Mine is really stiff. My Dealer says to use a "uniflex" unit rather than the teleflex. They cost the same and he "claims" they are very comparable. Has anyone installed and/or worked with these systems? Which one is best and why???

He must be talking about a UFlex. On the advice of several people here, that's what I installed last year, and I'm quite pleased with it so far.

--Mike

Randy McCotter · Post by **Randy McCotter** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 2:06 am

I have the new cable on order with the dealer.... so I suppose I'll at least have a spare. He called it a uniflex..... but after several conversations with him, It's probably a UFLEX ...lol. I'll try loosening the nut on the spring tomorrow, Hopefully it will help a bit. Thanks for your help guys... I'll post my findings soon....
Randy

MacGregorSailors.com

MacGregorSailors.com

Steering System Question

Steering System Question

Thanks for the info

I'm not the only one...

Re: I'm not the only one...

Thanks!