Loose steering

[jhb-gtr215]

Can anyone help with my loose steering issue. My 2014 GTR 215 steering is loose, I can move the handle bars back and forth with no response. Turns fine if I turn the bars all the way left or right.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Check the outer jacket clamps on both ends of the steering cable, one might be loose? Also, the steering cable inner wire ends might be a loose fastener? Maybe you can get someone to move the steering too and fro while you investigate.

There shouldn't be much back and forth play if any.

 

[jhb-gtr215]

I have looked at the micro fiche for the steering on my 2014 GTR 215 and don't see outer Jacket clamps.
I'll check and see if there is movement with the cable

Thanks

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Start at the steering nozzle on the jet pump and see how far you can move it back and forth without the "handle bars" moving? Under the helm is an adjustment nut on the front cable outer jacket end, perhaps some bracket under there is loose?

I'm confident something has come loose, a fastener retaining a bracket or the cable itself at one end or the other. Perhaps if the pump was serviced recently the issue is there?

 

[jhb-gtr215]

Thanks, I look at every thing this weekend, from end to end and let you know what I find

 

[jhb-gtr215]

There is some play in the cable at the steering nozzle. I can see the steering Cable lock but am not sure it will take the play out of the cable. Also, the entire unit has play left and right. Has anyone ever used shims to reduce the play?

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Maybe someone has disassembled the nozzle assembly and during reassembly forgot to insert a bushing or something? Or it's worn somehow?

Have a look at the assembly exploded view drawings and see if you can confirm it's correctly assembled or identify worn/missing pieces?

 

[jhb-gtr215]

All looks correct, the cable that comes out of the boat moves a little before it starts to move the nozzle. That's where the play is in the steering.
Does the cable lock stop this form happening? that is does the cable lock keep the cable for moving?

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

There will be a very slight amount of play and of course at low no-wake speed the hull will wander back and forth through the water but as you apply throttle and by the time it's planing the steering should change course with small input.
At speed under way turning the helm 45 degrees should produce a big response where as at no-wake speed the response will be small.

Let me make an assumption, it may not apply but just in case it does:

If this is your first jet boat, the steering is not like a boat with a rudder b/c it all depends on the direction AND volume of water being pumped. For instance, if the engine stops suddenly there will be no steering at all, no matter your speed.

If this is the case (you're new to jets) it will take some time to become accustomed to the steering but once you've mastered it you'll be able to out-maneuver any boat unless the engine stops running, in which case you will not be able to change course.

So once you've become accustomed, don't make the mistake of forgetting about what happens if propulsion is interrupted.

If this isn't the case then let's continue the investigation b/c steering issues can quickly become a huge safety issue.

 

[jhb-gtr215]

Not my first Sea Doo, my 2004 GTX 155 had very tight steering, no play. This 2014 GTR 215 at speed I can move the handle bars back and forth with no response to the direction left or right. Of course if I turn the handle bars hard left or right it PWC turns. There is what I feel is too much travel before turning.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

In that case it seems there's an issue.

Both ends of the steering cable outer jacket must be fastened so they aren't flopping around and the turnbuckles on the ends of the inner wire have virtually no play in them.

Maybe there's something wrong inside the steering box under the helm?