Mac X Steering play adjustment?

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leefrankpierce
First Officer
Posts: 254
Joined: Fri Oct 06, 2017 5:13 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Dallas Ft-Worth Texas

Mac X Steering play adjustment?

Post by leefrankpierce »

Noticing some play in my steering wheel.
Are there adjustments for looseness ?
26X in Dallas Fort-Worth area Texas
Slip at Eagle Mountain Lake
:macx:
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Outdoor-Michel
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:22 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Germany
Contact:

Re: Mac X Steering play adjustment?

Post by Outdoor-Michel »

It's time to replace the steering system.

The fault may come from a broken cover on the sprocket.
Be sure to check the 4 screws.

https://macgregorsailors.com/mods/index ... em&id=2146

Greetings from Germany,

Michael :macx:
Mac26x Bj.2002, Suzuki DF 50 Bj. 2000, completely new electrics and wiring, LED cabin light, bowsprit with anchor, water bladder under the v-berth, Nature's Head Toilet, CLIPPER Duet DEPTH/SPEED, modified centerboard for quiet noises
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Starscream
Admiral
Posts: 1593
Joined: Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:08 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Montreal, Quebec. 2002 26X - Suzi DF90A

Re: Mac X Steering play adjustment?

Post by Starscream »

leefrankpierce wrote: Fri Mar 18, 2022 6:54 am Noticing some play in my steering wheel.
Are there adjustments for looseness ?
Ive noticed a bit of looseness too, for over 10 years since I bought the boat. It feels like the first few degrees of steering-wheel rotation in either direction don't have any resistance. However, after my autopilot install I realized that those first few "loose" degrees actually do change the rudder position. I noticed that as I was having a competition with the autopilot to hold the most precise course possible. I won, but it required super concentration and taking advantage of the rudder motion in the loose range, what I previously thought was just slop in the system.
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rsvpasap
First Officer
Posts: 250
Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2013 2:05 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Seattle, WA

Re: Mac X Steering play adjustment?

Post by rsvpasap »

I have a 2002 26x. Over time, the "play" in my steering became so pronounced that it was difficult for the autopilot to hold a course, weaving back and forth. I installed a new teleflex steering cable that I got from Blue Water Yachts and it totally resolved the problem.
leefrankpierce
First Officer
Posts: 254
Joined: Fri Oct 06, 2017 5:13 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Dallas Ft-Worth Texas

Re: Mac X Steering play adjustment?

Post by leefrankpierce »

Thanks all.
26X in Dallas Fort-Worth area Texas
Slip at Eagle Mountain Lake
:macx:
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