Understanding Boat Rack-And-Pinion Steering Systems

Rack and pinion steering is a system used in boats, trucks and cars. The Teleflex Rack and Pinion Steering System is a popular choice for inboards and sterndrives. However, it is not uncommon for issues to arise with rack and pinion steering, such as difficulty turning the wheel. This can be caused by rust and corrosion, or by a crimped cable.

Troubleshooting

If you are having issues with your boat's rack and pinion steering, there are a few things you can try.

Firstly, check the cable that connects the steering wheel to the engine. Over time, the inside of the cable can rust and corrode, making it difficult to turn the wheel. To test this, pull the cable out of the guide tube and see if the wheel turns more easily without it.

If the cable appears to be in good condition, the problem may lie with the rack and pinion system itself. In some cases, the end of the rack where the cable connects may become crimped, making it difficult to take apart and repair.

For specific mechanical issues, it is recommended to contact Teleflex (Mechanical) Technical Service for assistance. They can provide guidance on different mechanical steering setups and cable routings.

It is also important to note that if you are attempting repairs on a rack and pinion steering system, you should always centre and lock the steering wheel before beginning.

Adjustment

Rack and pinion steering works by converting the circular motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion required to turn the wheels. It also offers gear reduction, so the wheels are easier to turn.

If you are having issues with your rack and pinion steering, there are a few things you can try. Firstly, check for rust and corrosion inside the cable. To do this, pull the cable out of the guide tube and see if the wheel is easier to turn with the cable out. If the cable is rusted, you may need to replace it.

If the problem persists, the issue could be with the rack and pinion itself. Try centring and locking the steering wheel before attempting any repairs. If the rack and pinion is crimped, you may not be able to take it apart to identify the problem. In this case, you may need to replace the entire system.

Cable routings

The Teleflex Rack and Pinion Steering System is the ideal choice for inboards and sterndrives. Cable routings may vary from the drawing provided by Teleflex, for example, on pontoon boats.

To determine the length of the cable, lay a garden hose or similar object along the cable path and measure the run from the wheel to the engine connection point.

As you face the rear of the engine, the cable goes into a steel tube on the right-hand side of the engine. The inside of the cable is made of steel, which can rust and corrode. If you are having trouble turning the steering wheel, pull the cable out of the guide tube and see if the wheel is easier to turn with the cable out.

Steering wheel locking

Rack-and-pinion steering is a simple mechanism that is becoming the most common type of steering on cars, small trucks and SUVs. It works by converting the rotational motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion needed to turn the wheels.

The steering rack is also called the rack and pinion assembly. It is enclosed in a metal tube, with each end of the rack protruding from the tube. A rod, called a tie rod, connects to each end of the rack. The pinion gear is attached to the steering shaft. When you turn the steering wheel, the gear spins, moving the rack. The tie rod at each end of the rack connects to the steering arm on the spindle.

The steering rack is a hydraulically (or electronically) assisted toothed bar that meshes with a pinion gear fixed to the steering shaft. As the driver turns the steering wheel, the pinion gear’s teeth rotate against the teeth of the steering rack, shifting the bar linearly from side to side. Steering rack movement is transferred to the steering knuckles via tie rods, which gives the driver effective control over the orientation of the two front wheels.

When the rack-and-pinion is in a power-steering system, the rack has a slightly different design. Part of the rack contains a cylinder with a piston in the middle. The piston is connected to the rack. There are two fluid ports, one on either side of the piston. Supplying higher-pressure fluid to one side of the piston forces the piston to move, which in turn moves the rack, providing the power assist.

Teleflex problems

The Teleflex Rack and Pinion Steering System is the ideal choice for inboards and sterndrives. However, there are some common problems associated with this system.

One issue is that the cable, which goes into a steel tube on the right-hand side of the engine, can rust and corrode over time. This can make it difficult to turn the steering wheel, as the steel inside the cable may become stuck or jammed. In some cases, the end of the rack where the cable is connected may also be crimped, making it difficult to take apart and repair.

Another problem that has been reported is that the steering can become slow or weak, or may even make a groaning noise as if it is low on fluid. This can be a sign that the steering rack and pinion need to be replaced or repaired.

In some cases, boat owners have reported that the steering wheel is almost impossible to turn, even when the cable is unhooked from the motor. This could be due to a number of factors, including issues with the rack and pinion system itself or problems with the cable.

To troubleshoot these issues, it is recommended to contact Teleflex (Mechanical) Technical Service for assistance. They can provide guidance on different mechanical issues and cable routings.

Frequently asked questions