New Steering System Questions And Suggestions

[thedukeryan]

I am needing to put a new steering system in my 91 Galaxy. The boat has a Volvo Penta 501 outdrive and a Chevy 305 engine. It is hydraulicly assisted in the rear and has a rack and pinion steering behind the wheel. My big question is are all rack and pinion systems universal or are they unique. I see iboats has teleflex and I believe another brand starting around $150 for the rack, pinion and cable. Would one of these kits work for me or will I need a new helm, wheel etc. Also I have had no luck getting the cable free form the rack/pinion. Is it easier/better replacing the whole system or should I salvage my rack/pinion and just replace the cable. The actuall rack etc seems in great shape but the cable is frozen stiff from years of sitting. I am certan that if I needed to I could get teh rack free. Are these systems as easy as unbolting it from the helm and the drive and just bolting a new one on? Seems like it could be switched out in a hour or so. Am I correct or should I look into having a shop do it? What tools are needed? Just a couple wrenches, vise grips and screwdrivers? Sorry for all the questions I just dont wanna get in over my head on another project.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: New Steering System Questions And Suggestions

The "rack" of the rack and pinion system is usually mounted to the helm unit with 4 bolts and nuts. The rack itself is part of the cable and cannot be removed. A new cable comes with the rack installed. You just bolt it in place.

 

[Don S]

Re: New Steering System Questions And Suggestions

You will need a complete kit, helm and all. Trying to find a cable that will fit an old helm unit is almost impossible. Some companies are out of buisness that made them before, even if it was a model made by teleflex, it will probably have different bolt pattern on the rack where it mounts on the helm unit.

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: New Steering System Questions And Suggestions

Ok by complete kit I am just assuming that I would need something along these lines

http://www.iboats.com/Teleflex_The_...78989911--**********.176567137--view_id.40290

My old wheel is likely universal correct? Also I dont know if mine is teleflex or something else. Will it say teleflex on the cable? Are different makes compatible? For example if I have a teleflex can a uflex work with it and vice versa? I just dont wanna order a teleflex and be up a creek if it is the wrong one. Last question for now is would you go off the measuing diagram or pull the old cable out and just measure it? I think I am gonna pull the old one and use those measurements unless someone suggests otherwise. Any real concerns if say I have a foot or two extra cable?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New Steering System Questions And Suggestions

Old wheel will work. Go with teleflex if you're concerned about compatibility. Pull the old cable out and measure it. You don't want to have extra. It isn't very flexible and you don't want to have to try to "stash" it somewhere.

 

[Don S]

Re: New Steering System Questions And Suggestions

IF you look at the old cable, there is usually a length right after the PN of the cable in the plastic cable sheath. USually on the drive end of the cable.

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: New Steering System Questions And Suggestions

You guys are awesome. I take it the kits posted above will be all I need. Any reasurance would be great. Also the teleflex should work no matter what I currently have correct?

 

[markntexas81]

Re: New Steering System Questions And Suggestions

I was told by a guy on the iboats chat that the way you measure the cable is not end to end, rather measure the black jacket over the cable and add 18inches and round up to the nearest foot.

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: New Steering System Questions And Suggestions

thanks for the tip. I wasnt sure if I needed to measure the shell outside the cable or end to end. I havent had a chance to look it over but if it doesnt have the length on it I will use your suggestion.