Causes of Loose Steering on an Alpha 1 (Non Gen 2) Gimbal Steering Assembly

I was asked to show a customer what could cause his Alpha 1 to have play in the steering and what would be involved in repair of this problem. This is just a quick overview of what a gimbal assembly looks like and where the play can occur. Most cases the top steering pin has worn the gimbal ring at the top where the two stainless steel bolts go through. If it is loose, DO NOT TIGHTEN THE TWO TOP BOLTS to try to reduce the play. They are set to a specific torque, and over tightening these bolts will put undue flex on the top of the gimbal ring and may cause structural failure of the aluminum ring and could cause loss of steering while running down the lake.
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[@markdimaio8396]

What causes the elongation at the hinge pins?

[@shipshapetn]

There is a "Zerk" fitting that is used to lube the hinge pins. If they are not greased, after an extended amount of use, the holes will wear and become egg shaped. This is actually quite rare, but sometimes does happen.

[@markdimaio8396]

@@shipshapetn I replaced the gimbol ring three years ago. The port hinge pin is clear sloppy. Not more that 150 hours on the ring. Swivel pin job was done at the same time

[@markdimaio8396]

.... BTW it's a Bravo 3.... Not a zerk fitting anywhere

[@markdimaio8396]

.....Why would that happen ?

[@lloydcisco3027]

That's not the only problem. The seal on the transom plate to transom don't seal every one of rheas I have taken off the studs are rusted that means that seal don't seal that's y all the transoms and stringers go south I can't believe no one is smart enough to make a gasket like the trs and 3 drives have that. Comp rubber and cork gasket did not leak that seal on the outer plate is a joke the one in your video no protrusion of the seal the water runs right down the mounting studs into the bear wood and over time asp if your docking the boat transoms rotten.

[@shipshapetn]

ok

[@jeffreynichols5504]

I have a 83 wellcraft Texas special edition elite 166 and the steering is very tough. Not sloppy. Any idea why

[@kaasie71]

You got oil in your pump? Steering ram problem could be, most of the case, had the same. Renewed the whole ram.