steering on my 25 OL
 

I have an 01 25 OL and there is a lot of play in the steering. You can move the outdrive 3 inches side to side freely. Can this be adjusted? I just had my outdrive serviced and was wondering if they could have affeceted the adjustment on a routine outdrive service.

The fix to it is a single or double external hydraulic unit.. Or a lil bit of a cheaper route is getting the shocks for the drive instead, they are basacally a shock that mounts like a external steering set up, you don't have the slop or should I say it is alot less noticiable .. All of the stock steering has slop in it...

John jr

I think this is excessive for even just being a stock setup. I guess I didnt word it right about the play. Its like 3 inches one way and 3 the other.Close to 6 total. This is my first boat and havent ran it much and thought it was the nature of the boat but it seems to be getting worse. It can be a handfull at higher speeds when you get into any kind of rough water.Im not familiar with the setup much. Is there any adjustment like a cable or anything that could be bad or backed off?

There is an adjustment on the gimbal at the top where the pivot is, but with that much play, I don't believe you'll get it out. Mine has maybe 1/2-3/4 inch on each side and I had everything replaced 4 years ago.

I am having the same problem. What I have found is the steering on top of the upper swivel pin is loose. I have also found that the lower bearing and pin in the gimbal ring was wore, and the pivot pins in the side of the gimbal ring to bellhousing had some play. You could purchase all the parts and replace, including a new gimbal ring. I am making bushings to repair all the pivot points with 660 bearing bronze and stainless pins. I am doing all the machine work myself. I will make the drive with a closer fit than new and alot more durable. Hope this helps.

How hard is it to get to this to check? I need to go and look closer of course but is it fairly easy to access?Where do I start?

The steering has no access without removing the outer gimbal housing or drilling holes in the top of the gimbal housing. I drilled the holes and mecury sells the 1" npt pipe plugs to seal the gimbal.
It made me sick when i drilled the holes so I have removed the entire outer gimbal so I can fix it right. I am welding the holes back up as part of my fix. If your drive is moving as much as you say DO NOT DRIVE IT is is very un-safe and the gimbal ring could break,