Determining steering type and replacing cables?

[burleytog]

The steering on my boat is super tight and I do believe it's time for a new cable.

The problem is I don't know what to buy.  I took a look under the console yesterday and did some looking around online earlier tonight and I think it is a rack & pinion system, but I'm not totally sure.  I'm going to try to take a few photos this afternoon.

Anyone have any tips for replacing the cables?

[R520dvx]

Burley ..... there is a cable lube system that might help called Davis Cable Buddy Steering Cable Lube ..... might try Discount Marine Supplies

Man ...  if I needed a new prop and a steering cable, I'd try to convince the wife that it was time for a new boat !!!!!!!!

[cart7t]

Just a couple things.

On a boat the age of yours I'd suggest just getting a new system. A lot of times the helms will be a little sloppy if you just put a new cable on. It's probably a Teleflex system. Find your cable under the dash and there should be some numbers stamped on them every foot or so. Something like SSXXXX10 The last digits usually indicate the cable length.

If you're just set on changing the cable you'll need to figure out whether it's an R & P or a rotary. A rotary box will be a circular mechanism with the cable going into the side. A R & P will be a straight bar sticking straight out from behind the dash with the steering cable bolted to the top side of it (usually).

Pulling a steering cable isn't that big of a deal.

If it's an R & P type. Disconnect the cable from the helm and drop it. Disconnect the cable from the engine. Attach a pretty stout rope about 20' long to the engine side of the cable. There should he hole in the end of the cable where the attachment is made at the engine. Now pull the cable and rope all the way through.

If it's rotary, you'll have to drop the helm to unfeed the cable from the helm.  After you've done that just follow the R&P instructions above.

Note: It may be necessary to pull the engine off the transom to accomplish the replacement.

Attach the new cable to the rope. I like to wrap that cable/rope tie with duct tape to make sure there are no tag ends loose that can snag stuff as it's being pulled through.

Now begin pulling the rope back through the boat. If you run into resistance at any point, back the cable up a little and then try pulling through again. You want to refrain from forcing the thing through as it's possible you may be hanging up on a wire bundle or harness and you don't want to rip that apart.

Once it's through, hook up both ends, reattach the motor to the transom if you had to pull it and the only thing left will be making sure the steering wheel is centered when the boat is going straight. That's sort of an on the water deal you'll have to do later.

Warning Make sure you check ALL electrical functions before heading off to the lake. It's not uncommon for wires to get yanked loose or cut during a steering cable pull.

[burleytog]

Oh, I'm going to be replacing the whole system.  After looking at some photos on the Teleflex site, I'm pretty sure I've got a R&P system.

And after looking around on the same site, I'm thinking of replacing with a Teleflex Safety QC system.  Took some measurements this morning after work (114"), but can't figure out if I need to add or subtract 6" from the total (according to the measurement instructions).

[burleytog]

Man ... if I needed a new prop and a steering cable, I'd try to convince the wife that it was time for a new boat !!!!!!!!

If you only knew...

This is just part of my 'to-do' list for the boat.

Replace steering system

Replace prop

Replace thermostat

Replace spark plugs

Rebuild carbs

Install remote PTT switch on stern

Paint trailer

Lots and lots of little stuff on there too.  Such is the life when you run an old boat.

[DawsonH]

Allow me to shorten that list for you:

Buy new boat

;D

[cart7t]

Oh, I'm going to be replacing the whole system. After looking at some photos on the Teleflex site, I'm pretty sure I've got a R&P system.

And after looking around on the same site, I'm thinking of replacing with a Teleflex Safety QC system. Took some measurements this morning after work (114"), but can't figure out if I need to add or subtract 6" from the total (according to the measurement instructions).

You add 6" if the steering cable terminates by a fitting that screws into the tilt bracket on the OB motor.  If the cable is bolted to an external assy not attached to the tilt assy of the motor then you subtract 6".

[burleytog]

Here's the stamp on the cable.

Here's the cable going to the motor.

Am I correct in assuming that I'll need to loosen the nut at the transom in order to remove the old cable?

The current system is R&P, I'm going to replace it with a rotary.  I'm going with an 11' cable since the old one is 11'.

[cart7t]

Yep.  You'll need a 11' system.  Unbolt the steering mech on the other side of the motor.  Undo that sleeve bolt on that side of the motor.  Tie a stout, 20' or so piece rope to the hole in the end of the steering cable.  Undo the cable system from the helm under the dash.  Make sure any and all wires that have been tie wrapped to the cable are cut loose.  Pull cable through from the console. Clean out the cable channel in the engine before reinstalling.  There will probably be some pretty gunked up grease in there.  Reverse the process to install the new one.  A buddy and a six pack should be all it takes.  

[Triton21]

Burley, I installed mine by myself in my Aluminum boat.  I had to pull it through a 3 in diameter hole that contained wires that was about 3 1/2 foot long.  I did as Cart7 said and tied a rope to the old one before removing.  Install the motor end before you install the helm.  I found this easier.

Kelley