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replacement collar steering fork for AQ280

O

ocoocher

Contributing Member
Because of very stiff steering, I have removed and need to replace the steering fork on my 1978 V/P AQ 280 outdrive (the spindle is very badly corroded and virtually no splines remaining). The spindle diameter is 1.5". Can anyone please tell me what further do I need to specify when shopping for a used replacement fork? Is there just one for all AQ280s over the years?
 
250, 270 collar steering fork shafts are small diameter.

280, 285, 275 are larger diameter collar steering fork shafts... and will interchange between them.


The steering stops are an integral part of the spindle arm..... not the collar steering fork.
IOW, the spindle arm controls the Port to Stbd degrees of drive articulation.

Suggestion and recommendation:

Before you assemble the new fork, install the spindle arm onto the fork shaft, and index the arm to it as to be at exactly 90*.
Mark the arm and the top of the fork shaft.

These are rather fine splines.
One spline off, and your Stop to Stop will be surprizingly unequal.

I've fixed quite a few of these over the years..... all due to a very simple and easy mistake.


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ocoocher said:
Because of very stiff steering, I have removed and need to replace the steering fork on my 1978 V/P AQ 280 outdrive (the spindle is very badly corroded and virtually no splines remaining). The spindle diameter is 1.5". Can anyone please tell me what further do I need to specify when shopping for a used replacement fork? Is there just one for all AQ280s over the years?
Click to expand...
BTW... these are the short and long splindle arms.

571580=15941-spindle%20arm%20and%20bushings%20001%20(Small).jpg



aad0_35.JPG



If the spindle arm prevents the fork movement (after the pinch bolt has been loosened or removed), drive a small steel chisel into the pinch bolt slot.
This will expand the spinch slot releasing pressure at the splines.




This is the large shaft collar steering fork that you'll need.

IMG_7523-600x400.JPG


If the fork will not move downwards and out easily, make yourself two wooden wedges that can be driven in between the fork collar and the transmom shield.


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Thanks Rick, that helps. Had been a little unsure about the indexing. Re the short spindle arm, I can't read the number on mine, but it is re-useable. Is the one pictured 860488?
 
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Rick,

Somewhere in the dim dark reaches of my memory, I think I recall that the helmet and fork are sold as a matched set?
 
sandkicker said:
Rick,

Somewhere in the dim dark reaches of my memory, I think I recall that the helmet and fork are sold as a matched set?
Click to expand...
Years ago these could be purchased separately. As I now understand, yes.... you must buy the collar steering fork and helmet as a unit.
Or... look for good used parts. They are out there.



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boatdoc55 said:
I have just what you need here in Oregon.
Click to expand...

Gary, maybe you can set him up with the new bushings and V-ring seal as well.


Side note:
I don't recall what year this came to be..... but some of the newer bushings have a nubbin that indexes the bushings to prevent rotation.
If the aluminum bores do not have the notches for these nubbins, simply file the nubbins away.


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