2014 SeaDoo RXP - Steering problem

[S2Krave]

So this just started happening. The ski has 95 hours on it. When it is out of the water, turning the wheel left to right is smooth. When the ski is sitting in the water but shut off, the steering is smooth. As soon as you start it, at idle and in neutral, it is no longer smooth. Turning it to the left, you feel a slight drag, but turning it to the right.. I'd say about 80% turned to the right it gets very tough.. and almost feels like it's hitting something. I can get it to turn to the right, but it clunks in and then clunks back to move it left... Anyone seeing this before? Under power, it's very hard to steer and doesn't want to turn left hardly at all. Looking at it visually, I don't see anything out of the ordinary other than the jet nozzle doesn't look centered on the output.

Also, when it is turned to the right under power, makes a scraping sound (as if it was rubbing on the shaft).. I didn't think that is touched though?

Any thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated..!

Thanks,

 

[3ftDeep]

A few thoughts come to mind: 1) It sounds like the thrust through the nozzle is amplifying the problem. Your nozzle should look centered on the output. If not, you need to figure out why. That could easily be your problem; 2) Check the stators. If badly damaged they could disrupt the steering; 3) Have someone put some resistance against the nozzle turning to see if you can feel the problem, as it could be the steering cable. Also check the inside of the machine to ensure the cable isn't bound on something (although it's unlikely). Those are just some thoughts. Good luck.

 

[S2Krave]

Thanks for you reply. I will take a look at it. It's definitely not centered on the output. What do you mean by stators? I thought that was electrical related.. Thanks for your thoughts.. I will let you know what I find..!

 

[3ftDeep]

Check the "fins" behind the impeller that compensate for the spin of the water column coming out of the pump due to the rotation of the impeller.