2000 Howard 28 Bullet, Bravo One w 502 Mag. Problem is the power steering actuator has about 2" of slop. ie: I turn the wheel and the actuator moves aboul 2" before moving the tiller arm. I'm pretty positive there's no air in the system as its never been opened up. Gimble ring, pivot pin, tiller arm, and all related parts are new and have zero play. My question is ..... 1. Is it rebuildable? 2. If not rebuildable, does anyone have an extra they would part with after going full hydraulic?

Mine started leaking in an odd spot, talked to merc and they dont sell parts to rebuild for liability reasons. I am thinking of taking it to the hydraulic shop and seeing what they have to say about it. The newactuators are expensive.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...g-acuator.html

How can the actuator move without moving the tiller arm? Regardless if underpsi sells his elsewhere I will have one from a 2000 Eliminator, I just need to remove it from the boat. How soon do you need it? Randy

Thanks for the responses! I actually just found a brand new unit In Florida for $150. I couldn't pass on the price, so I scooped it up. Randy, apparently when the valve fails, the internals will start moving , similar to system being full of air??? I'm going off of my observation of the movement which was confirmed with my authorized mercruiser mechanic. Kinda seems like a poor design IMHO but I don't want to dump the cash on full hyd. for a boat I may not keep around. Don't get me wrong, I love the boat but a cat would serve my large family (5 kids + wife) better.

I was thinking the actuator just gives power assist to the cable system & can't see how there could be slop in that part. I would have thought in the rack at the helm. Oh well I am going to full hydraulic so I will not have any issues with any of the stock stuff. Thank you for your reply. Please post if that fixes your problem. How about a pic of the boat if you can? Randy