1. Have you checked the fluid level? The fill opening is on top of the helm, unscrew it and fluid should be up to the top. If not, fill with the proper fluid and then bleed it. 2. If fluid is OK, there is a nylon/plastic disc that connects the top of the ram cylinder to the tiller arm, it slides fore/aft in a slot. I have seen these break due to an impact, and when the pieces fall out, you are left with slop. Grab the motor on the rear of the cowl and pull left/right. Does it move? If so, watch the tiller arm connection I mentioned and repeat. If that piece is broken/missing, then there will be slop and you can see the tiller arm move independently of the ram cylinder. 3. Otherwise check for slop period. Which could be loose fittings on the ram cylinder where it attaches to the motor. Particularly at the trim/tilt tube where that threaded sleeve can work itself loose and introduce play. By having a helper pull left/right on the back of the motor, you should be able to see where the slop comes from…2008 Pantera Classic2014 Mercury Pro XS 200
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