1996 gsx no left steering when cruising

[tgalla010]

First post here guys/gals. Not much of a mechanic but not afraid to do basic stuff.

We just bought a pair of seadoo's one of which is a 96 GSX. The main issue with the GSX is that we don't have a left turn when running at a decent speed. Basically as soon as the ski comes up out of the water. In the water, no problem. Right turn, no problem. I don't see any obvious issue with the steering cable or assembly.


If the mobile app would allow me to post a video I would.

Has anyone dealt with this before? Love the ski!

Thank you!

 

[MacAddict]

The plastic nut that seats the rear cable into the jet pump is likely snapped. Common problem. Just hope the threaded housing in the jet jump itself is not broken. Much bigger repair. Many replace them fitting that seats the cable with brass or aluminum to avoid it happening in the future.

 

[tgalla010]

Thanks a ton for the reply. Just to confirm, your referring to the nut highlighted in this diagram correct? Thanks again!!

 

[MacAddict]

Yep yep.... that's the bugger.... had them snap on my 2001 XP and GTI. .. replaced with WSM aftermarket brass replacements and never a problem since....

 

[tgalla010]

Got it, I'll look for the WSM replacement. Thank you!

 

[Seto1412]

Just replaced whole cable on speedster sk.

 

[tgalla010]

Yep yep.... that's the bugger.... had them snap on my 2001 XP and GTI. .. replaced with WSM aftermarket brass replacements and never a problem since....

Quick question for you guys, am I missing a hidden bolt somewhere here? The assembly doesn't want to come off easily but it's very lose now.

The part came in and I trying to get it replaced.

Thank you!!!

 

[tgalla010]

Was able to get the assembly off, the nut however seems fine. I'll still replace it but I'm wondering now if I'm back at square one.

Anyone have an idea...is replacing the steering cable the only thing left to do?

 

[mikidymac]

If the cable is tight to the hull and not moving and the nut is holding it tight then the inner cable could be broken. It is a rigid cable so it can push if broken it just can't pull.
Have someone hold the nozzle tight then see if you can turn the handlebars both ways. If it is broken it can't pull and will only move one way.

 

[tgalla010]

Thanks for jumping in! I have complete steering at low speed...idle in the water no issue. It's when I get up on the water when I have no left turn. Now I just replaced the nut today and hope to get it on the lake this afternoon for a test and will report back but in the meantime...any ideas are hugely appreciated!!!

 

[mikidymac]

Try holding the nozzle and turning the handlebars

 

[tgalla010]

Update: spent an hour on the water and the problem is still there after changing the nut. Yep back to the drawing board.

 

[Matt Braley]

Kinda figured that because your first pic showed that the nut was there and intact. So what are the results of the test Mikidi suggested? If it's not the inner cable then it's in the attachment point of the cable up front or loose components in the steering mechanism. I have had outer cables fail and allow the inner cables room to bow out instead of push. This issue would be found during the test he suggested though.

 

[tgalla010]

The results from the test ended up in a smashed thumb. Lol, had my Fiancé on the ski while I held the nozzle. It was holding fine in all directions and when I kept it from moving she just turned harder and my hand slipped. Thumb got smashed between the nozzle and the body. So in any event it didn't move while being held.

 

[Matt Braley]

Sorry to hear about the thumb. If your getting full right and full left turn on the nozzle then that surprises me. Have you looked up into the pump with a flashlight to check for anything unusual?

 

[tgalla010]

Thanks Matt, thumb will heal. Lol...I've done what I can. I think what I've decided I'm going to do is setup a GoPro to record to see if I can pick up on anything slipping when I get up to 17 MPH. Thats when it seems to happen.

I'm going to start another thread looking for help on the idle adjustment...I've looked at the "wheel" where the throttle cable wraps and I'm fearful to monkey with it. Seems like the cable could easily be a real pain in the butt to work with in such a tight space.

Thanks to all you guys for chiming in but the steering issue is a head scratcher.

 

[Matt Braley]

Are either of the sponsons broken?

 

[mikidymac]

The idle adjustment is done by the idle screw not the cable.

 

[tgalla010]

The idle adjustment is done by the idle screw not the cable.

Thanks Matt, I couldn't locate that info for my ski. As you can tell this is my first one. I'll dig deeper to find the location. Thanks bro!

 

[mikidymac]

It is a small screw with a Tee handle and a spring on the front carb near the hose that connects to the crank case and pushes on the throttle wheel.
It is not the one that goes into the body of the carb.

 

[tgalla010]

This guy correct?

It is a small screw with a Tee handle and a spring on the front carb near the hose that connects to the crank case and pushes on the throttle wheel.
It is not the one that goes into the body of the carb.

 

[mikidymac]

No, that is the low speed mixture adjustment not the idle.