Outboard Rack & Pinion Steering Installation

Rack-and-pinion steering doesn't give you the "feel" of the rudder motion as does direct steering --- called rotary steering --- but because the gears, not your muscles, absorb the constant rudder feedback, rack-and-pinion steering is also less tiring. Unlike direct cable steering, where the steering cables are controlled by a pulley on the end of the steering shaft, rack-and-pinion steering interposes a gear system between the cable ends and the helm. The rack-and-pinion gears only pass a minimal amount of the feedback to the wheel.

Things You'll Need

  • Adjustable wrench
  • 1/4-inch socket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the center hub cover of the steering wheel. Remove the wheel-shaft nut, using an adjustable wrench. Pull the wheel from the steering-wheel shaft.

    • 2

      Remove the screws that hold the helm cover in place with a screwdriver. Slide the helm cover from the steering-wheel shaft. Set the cover aside; it will be stored with the steering system you remove from the boat.

    • 3

      Remove the bolts exposed when you remove the helm cover, using a 1/4-inch socket. These bolts hold the helm --- the "guts" of the steering system --- in place. Reach underneath the dash and hold the helm in place as you remove the last bolt.

    • 4

      Allow the helm to drop into your hand as you release the last bolt that holds it in place. Lower the helm so the steering-wheel shaft drops through the dash. Remove the helm and the attached steering-wheel shaft from beneath the dashboard.

    • 5

      Lay the paper template that accompany the new new helm onto the dashboard. Mark the mounting bolt holes and, if necessary, mark the perimeter of the new helm, where it will protrude from the dashboard. Drill the mounting holds with a drill and cut the new perimeter, if required, with a jigsaw.

    • 6

      Move the rack and pinion helm under the dash and upward, so the steering-wheel shaft comes through the dash. Install the mounting bolts through the dash and into the helm. Tighten the bolts with a 1/4-inch socket.

    • 7

      Slide the helm cover down the steering-wheel shaft and onto the dash. Secure the cover in place with the screws provided with the steering kit.

    • 8

      Install the steering wheel onto the shaft. Thread the steering-wheel nut onto the shaft and tighten the nut securely.

    • 9

      Affix the steering cable sheath to the end of the rack and connect the cable end to the rack with a cotter pin.