2 part questions thermostat and steering

[spareparts]

tilt tube is up and down, pivot tube is side to side to side, its the grease fitting on the side of the mid section

[steplift20]

Yep the pivot tube is well greased I thought you were talking about the tilt tube sorry about that Actually the tilt tube is only about 4 years old I had it replaced I was thinking could it by the helm ? The cable should be good that's not old everything should be good but my steering is very hard and I do have play in the steering about 2 to 4 inches is that normal for a no feed back system
M

[phatdaddy]

disconnect the steering rod(connects end of cable to steering bracked on motor) and see if the problem is in the pivot tube or cable

[spareparts]

teleflex or U-flex system?

[steplift20]

Teleflex 4.2 no feedback system

[steplift20]

Could it be the helm itself and how can I check it

[spareparts]

the teleflex ssytem always feels stiff to me, even when brand new. The teleflex system uses a spring loaded clutch to prevent the helm from moving under torque, you have to break the clutch loose before tunring the wheel, thats why its always stiff at the initial movement, but frees up while you are steering. The U flex system uses planitary gears and is far easier to turn. Disconect the cable end and compare how it feels at the helm, then pull the cable out of the tilt ram and see if that helps