Catalina Steering Issues

[SqPeg]

Hello, all. A good friend has an 05 Catalina 32 with what I consider a lot of play in the wheel. When maneuvering in marinas it makes some loud noises underfoot. He swears there is nothing wrong but has never serviced it. What should he check for?

[Terra Nova]

Have a pro inspect it.

[Calif.Ted]

There's a panel on the overhead in the aft cabin that provides access to quadrant, certainly worth doing a visual inspection asap, the following from Edson should be helpful. There have been some corrosion problems involving the sheeve supports, if I'm remembering right.
http://www.edsonmarine.com/support/P...and_repair.pdf

[DeepFrz]

Examining/servicing your steering system is an extremely important maintenance item. Wishful thinking wont cut it.

[Cheechako]

Yes inspect it. It could be a loose turning block, loose quadrant etc. Open things up and have someone turn the wheel back and forth, you'll find it.

[Cotemar]

Should also be able to check the quadrant and cables from the rudder area in the rear locker.
Have someone in the rear locker rudder area hands clear from any moving parts.
Have someone at the helm to slowly turn the wheel stop to stop.
The person in the rear locker rudder area will be able to hear and see any problems.