Steering Slop in NEW UFlex Rack Tech steering

[rickbartholomew]

I recently replaced my Mac26 's original DetMar steering with a NEW UFlex Racktech rack and pinion steering system from a well known Mac parts supplier, and I seem to have wildly unacceptable slop in the steering rack. Right now, I can move the steering wheel 3 to 3.5 inches BEFORE any motion of the cable (at the stern) is perceived.

I know there's a fair amount of intrinsic slop in the multiple pin/hanger connections of the Mac 26 's wishbone and motor connection rod, but I'm not even trying to deal with that yet. From what I've read here and in other places, I should have no more that a fraction of an inch of travel slop on the wheel with a new rack (be it Uflex, Teleflex, etc.).

I've reviewed the Uflex documents (almost exclusively install related) and there appears to be no adjustments.

Any suggestions/adjustments? Did I get a bad rack/Pinion/cable?

Thanks
Rick

[40Toes]

Rick,
I did replace my cable this year with the same system as you have. I checked my cable before I installed it and there was no play in it. I know the slop I have is from somewhere else based on that. I would suggest the slop you experience is not from your new cable but it should be easy to trouble shoot. There are no adjustments I know of. I have a little as well, but honestly, looking at the system it is connected to, I figure that it is pretty normal.

Rod

[Ivan Awfulitch]

I replaced mine last year with the Teleflex and I have no slop in the steering. Since the rack and pinion units are all very similar, I'd check to make sure that the rack is properly mounted to the pinion unit, as it's about the only place you could get that kind of slop. Also, make sure that there's no bow to the rack, as it's a tight fit under the console.

[rickbartholomew]

Thanks all.

I'm pretty confident that I'm seeing slop from the rack (or cable). With the Mac steering wishbone disconnected, I can move the wheel 3+ inches with NO cable motion.

I'll double check that the rack has not somehow disengaged from the pinion assembly, but beyond that, I don't know.

Rick

[ronacarme]

For what it is worth, my new U-Flex Rack Tech has very little slop... less than an inch at the wheel rim if I recall correctly (the X is 60 miles away)....
Could it be that your wheel is circumferentially loose on the pinion spindle?
Ron

[rickbartholomew]

Ron,
The wheel seems locked solidly to the spindle. I installed a new key, and both the wheel's and spindle's keyways were clear and tight, with no excessive ware. BUT, just to be sure, when I pull the helm on my apart this this week, I'll pull the wheel, and confirm that the slop I'm seeing is in the spindle.

Thanks,
Rick B

[rickbartholomew]

After contacting the supplier of the uFlex steering packge for my Mac, they agreed that I had way to much slop in the rack and arranged to replace the steering, which they'd next-day to me. I got a call the next day, reporting that they examined the replacement uFlex rack they were about to send me, and it also showed excessive slop in the rack (>1"), and proposed sending me a teleflex system instead. I agreed, and received a 8' teleflex 141 rack system ("The Rack") package Friday, and installed it Saturday...somewhat awkwardly given the 3.25" hole I cut for the uFlex system. I now have near zero rack slop (.25-.5" of wheel travel), and the net steering is the tightest it's ever been. I still have a little slop due to Mac 26 's 'Rube Goldberg' steering linkage, but I can't wait to put her back in the water...I expect I'll be zig-zagging ( or dodging U-Boats, as I perfer to tell my wife) a little less coming out of the harbor now.

Rick

[vkmaynard]

GET the 10' 141 instead like everyone else suggested on this site. I made the mistake of trying the 8' first.

The 10' has MUCH better bend radius.

You will need a larger hole that is drilled even with the top of the original hole.

If they don't have one try these guys: http://www.discountmarinesupplies.com/M ... YSTEM.html

Victor