Steering Cable Replacement

[kisinana]

I'm looking at replacing my steering cable. After checking with some local shops I'm told I have to lift the motor off because the morse steering cable can not be bent to go through the hole in my well. It does not align with the trim tube (out of alignment by about 1.5 inches). Has anyone had any experience with enlarging the cable boot hole in the well of a Campion 542? Will I then have enough space,without pulling the motor,and how often do these cables need replacing? I keep all the metal sections well greased but my problem is inside the cable jacket and it is not accessible. Any information greatly appreciated.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Steering Cable Replacement

Welcome to iboats.<br /><br />Typically a cable will last 20 years in a freshwater environment. In a saltwater environment it'll be much shorter. If the boat ever submerges, then it'll fail within a year.<br /><br />Once you get the boot off you'll see what you have to work with. You might just have to saw out a notch for the cable to rest in a more appropriate position. It kinda depends on the hole you have now as to whether or not you'll be able to cover the entire hole with the boot once you've made the modification. Larger diameter boots might be available to cover it better if necessary.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Steering Cable Replacement

Merc135, Sometimes you can slide the motor "portward" to give more room bteween the splashwell and the tilt tube. It may be enough for the cable to slip out.<br /><br />If not, you can hang the motor from the header of a garage or a tree branch, and jack up the trailer tongue to lift it off the boat. then swivel the motor and pull out the cable.

 

[prolinews]

Re: Steering Cable Replacement

Man it is so much easier to hang the motor than it is to fight that cable . make sure to clean the tube. a 12guage shotgun bore brush works well use plenty of lube. I run mainly salt and clean my tubes often (when ever it gits stiff).

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Steering Cable Replacement

prolinews, Sorry to hear about your tubes! Oh I see, you mean the motor's tube, I got it now!

 

[Kiekhaeferscurse]

Re: Steering Cable Replacement

Worked at a campion dealership for 5 years, engine always came off the boat to change the cable. It is only 4 bolts 1 hour job, but if you, really dont want to unbolt it, cut the old cable off & install a new Hydraulic system, set you back a K though, but you will only have to do it once and you elminate steering torque at the same time (I'm lazy) and its like having power steering.<br />Cheers<br />P.S, where did you get your 542 from?.........love that boat

 

[kisinana]

Re: Steering Cable Replacement

I bought my 542 2 years old from a guy I knew in Nanaimo, originally from Monty's in Duncan. It's a great all round boat. Is there any kind of a grease fitting that can be installed on a new cable if and when I replace it?

 

[tengals123]

Re: Steering Cable Replacement

no, they come pre greased and manufactures recommend NO extra grease. It shouldnt need it anyway.

 

[kchunn]

Re: Steering Cable Replacement

If you have a jackplate, you can probably adjust the motor with that to fit the cables. If not, I would just unbolt the motor. It's not that hard. Be a good time to reseal your four bolts with some marine sealant.

 

[kisinana]

Re: Steering Cable Replacement

I have to lift the motor off the transom. Since I have access to an electric hoist and high garage roof it will not be a problem. I was just looking for a simplier way out if at all possible. Should have remembered the first rule of boating.<br />If it easy or cheap it does not belong on a boat. Thanks for all the advice.