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I have a 1987 side console style 17' whaler and im having an issue with the steering wheel wobbling in the console i have been told this is a common problem wondering if anyone had any information on how to fix it.
I had the same issue with my 1987 15’ Super Sport. After ruling out any problems with loose bolts in the helm or a problem with the helm itself, it turned out to be the steering wheel. The spokes of the original equipment destroyer style steering wheel are threaded into the center of the wheel and welded to the rim of the wheel. The spokes cannot be tightened or repaired. The only solution I had was to replace the steering wheel. I found a very good deal on a Schmitt 15 ½”, 6-spoke stainless wheel at Go2Marine.com for $78. (item # 115283). The Schmitt steering wheels are all welded and should not loosen up.
Just a reminder, the whole steering system helm and cable costs about the same as a cable. Even the helm can be a bit pricey. Can probably save wheel.
The serial numbers including length are/were printed on the cable.
Possibly due for a new cable about this time.
I was taking a look at it the other day and i was wondering if the person who said to replace steering wheel knew if there was suppose to be a bracket under the helm that holds the piece that the hydraulic hoses run in cause it looks like there was a bracket there previously that might have rusted up and fell out or if maybe the piece inside the steering wheel that you were talking about replacing was suppose to support that thanks for the input everyone
If you have a Teleflex steering system, there is a bracket that holds the steering helm in place. That would be the first thing to check. As I said in the post above, I ruled that out by checking to see that the helm was tight to the console. I had to remove the steering wheel to determine if the helm was secure. (Removing the steering wheel requires a wheel puller.)
The easiest of fixes would be to simply have to tighten the bolts of the steering helm. If everything is tight and there is no wobble in the steering shaft, I suspect the problem is the steering wheel.
Good luck
