Steering Wheel Shaft & Key - Need a Stop position

[miketcook]

Replaced my Raymarine autopilot steering wheel assembly. Old one hadn't worked since I bought the boat. Issue: the steering wheel has no "stop" to it, with shaft key a rectangle with no slope, (am used to shaft keys sloped that create a stopping point - for securing nut to press against). Without a "stop" the only stopping point is the Binnacle Raymarine post used to keep autopilot from turning. Can't have that plastic wheel be the stop for the wheel - it's not intended for that, and don't want the post post pushing against the plastic wheel.
Looks like my only alternatives are a PVC spacer between the wheel and binnacle, which isn't ideal (see picture), or have a shaft key made that slopes. Other ideas? Ignoring the autopilot, what was the factory answer to this? Is this an Edson question / solution?


stopping

heel will slide inNow I need to ensure the wheel stops

 

[fox9988]

The shaft on my '83 Edson has a shoulder that stops the wheel from sitting deeper.

 

[Calif. Ted]

I believe there is a groove on the shaft to accept a "circlip" or snap ring to stop the wheel.
Snap Ring (sold individually)

 

[miketcook]

You're right. Talked w Edson. They also put a washer on the outside of the Snap Ring to distribute the pressure.

Thanks

 

[jonelli]

You're right. Talked w Edson. They also put a washer on the outside of the Snap Ring to distribute the pressure.

Ah... I don't have a secondary washer, just the snap ring. That makes sense now. I'll add a washer.