Steering cables questions

[hitordie]

I just bought my first boat and am trying to figure out if i can fix the steering cable. when i turn the steering wheel it just spins and i can hear the gears in the shaft spining but dont know it they are broken. at the end of the cable the tube is completly stuck. its been sittin up and only paid 200 dollars for a Ranger Aztec 1750v with a 65hp Suzuki(had no trailer and the motor wasn't attached). i have read that i may be able to free the tube with oil, heat, and hammer. trying to go on vacation in a week and am strapped for cash. Dont know much about boats at all but am getting help from my father-in-law. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Rscardina]

Re: Steering cables questions

steering is pretty easy... under the steering wheel there is a mechanism that feeds and releases the cable in either direction. it does have teeth of the sort in it...

here is what i would do:

Disonnect the steering ram from the engine, its usually on with a steering arem and bolt that goes through it. with the steering disconnected from the engine try and turn the wheel...if you get no movement and still hearing the grinding type noises or click then chanses are the cable under the helm is stripped or broken..or maybe the mechanism under the wheel is gone..

the cable is held in place by a couple of nuts, holding a brass connector..

if i am cnfusing you in any way..look up teleflex steering, no feedback variety..

the entire cable is connected to the ram at the engine..so if you decide to change it you will have to take it all out..but good news is you can buy a new cable for about 115-140 bucks...

if your steering box is bad then you will need that too..

hope that helps a little

 

[hitordie]

Re: Steering cables questions

thankyou for the reply. The motor is not connected to the boat and the arm at the back is not moving when i turn steering wheel. the wheel turns freely could something of come loose in it and if it did is there a way to take it apart and put it back together(the gears the steering wheel is hooked to. im sorry im not very familiar with boats at all. the arm at the end of the cable is pretty dirty and froze up is there a technique that will help unfreeze it and clean it. like i said i bought this boat after it has been sitting out in the yard for a year laying on the ground.

 

[marcortez]

Re: Steering cables questions

You don't want to hear this, but I think you should seriously consider popping for a new steering helm and cable.

Grinding noises, won't turn, froze up......all perfect candidates for a new steering system.

Teleflex NFB Saf-T II systems come complete with everything you will need, down to the correct length of cable you require.

 

[hitordie]

Re: Steering cables questions

the steering wheel will turn freely. as far as the gears i hear them turning about every 180 degrees. is there no cleaning the arm at the end of the cable

 

[marcortez]

Re: Steering cables questions

If you have not already done this.....remove the link rod on the motor end of the cable.
Clean out the inside of the steering tube as best you can and re-insert the link arm....after greasing that up good.

Push/pull by hand on this link rod to assure freedom of movement.
If that link rod slides in and out easily by hand, then it should be ok.

The helm end of the steering cable looks like a tightly coiled spring....this is the part that inserts into one outlet of the helm.

If you need help, Teleflex provides diagrams on how to thread the cable in.

If that cable end shows any corrosion or other signs of damage, I am afraid your only option would be to replace it.

You can purchase steering cables separate from the helm.

Obviously.....steering is a major component of a boat....and I believe it's a good practice to replace a critical component, if any suspicion as to it's functionality are in question.

 

[Rscardina]

Re: Steering cables questions

http://www.easternmarine.com/16-Safe-T-Quick-Connect-Steering-System-SS13716/

take a look at this..i think its what you have...they make varius lengths so be sure you get the right length..

I think the whole setup was 120 bucks..

 

[hitordie]

Re: Steering cables questions

thanks for the advice and the parts.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Steering cables questions

iboats store!! Shop steering and see if iboats will price match....... it is available on most everything in the store.

 

[Rscardina]

Re: Steering cables questions

I wsn;t telling anyone where to shop...just to see the setup and parts,,,,

 

[hitordie]

Re: Steering cables questions

thanks for the input. I've been doing research and found a homemade steering luber. have anyone ever built one and if so how and what did you use

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: Steering cables questions

I'd check craigslist. Sometimes there is a whole steering assembly for a reasonable price. Just make sure it turns and moves freely. You don;t want to buy another problem.