115hp Johnson do i need to replace steering cable?

[wems]

My steering wheel is real hard to turn... I took the cable from the outboard and the outboard moves freely. I think the problem is in the gears behind the steering wheel itself. The steering wheel is almost impossible to move and at times I feel like im going to break it if I keep trying to turn it.
So Im guessing I need to replace my steering cable (please tell me if im wrong)

also what type of steering is this... Behind the steering wheel in the dash board is a metal rectangular box... it looks like this... http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/2489/steeringcolumga1.jpg (im sorry the image is pretty pathetic but its the best i can do)

but what kind of steering mechanism do I have?

 

[5150abf]

Re: 115hp Johnson do i need to replace steering cable?

From your picture it looks like an old rack and pinion,there is a gear on the steering wheel shaft and a flat long "'gear'' on the steering cable.
Had one on my boat originally but pitched it.
I don't know that you can replace the cable itself, I almost remember it was one peice sealed thing.
you could try to get some oil into it but that is going to be hard without removing it from the boat.
If you do get it off I have taken a zip lock bag and poke a hole in it, put the cable end in the bag and tape it really good and suspend the end up some where and put oil in the bag and let gravity do it's thing.
I don't know where you are with money but it might be a good time to upgrade to a teleflex cable system, there is always the iboats store or take a look on Ebay

 

[wems]

Re: 115hp Johnson do i need to replace steering cable?

so your thinking I should buy something like this?
http://www.iboats.com/Teleflex_The_...06580077--**********.639032250--view_id.40290
also would I need to buy a new steering wheel for this?

Also how big of one should I get? ive been trying to take apart the steering wheel and what not and have had some trouble but im going to work on it again tomorrow and hopefully get it fully off.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 115hp Johnson do i need to replace steering cable?

i highly recommend one of the rotary nofeedback systems. much more owner friendly, uses the same cut out in the dash, and far easier to install.
http://www.iboats.com/Complete_Rota...ategory--**********.451552452--view_id.246975

i do not use the rack systems.

 

[wems]

Re: 115hp Johnson do i need to replace steering cable?

what are the differences between the two? I figured since i already had the rack and pinion I know a new one would fit in easily? or would a rotary also fit in easily?

thx

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 115hp Johnson do i need to replace steering cable?

rotary will fit easier, easier to route thru the boat, plus has the no feed back feature, like i said i only use rotary system. you mount the held, using existing hole in console, route the cable, slide the cable into the helm, till it locks, then install the motor end thur the tilt tube. no rack to try to put together on your back.

 

[wems]

Re: 115hp Johnson do i need to replace steering cable?

ok how do I know which size to get then?

 

[wems]

Re: 115hp Johnson do i need to replace steering cable?

also it says my cable is a 10.5" cable...
so I guess i need the teleflex NFB SafeT, since the other one doesnt come in less than 12ft

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 115hp Johnson do i need to replace steering cable?

measure from center of the helm, to the side then from there to the transom, then from the side, to center of motor, add 6 inches then round up to the nearest foot.

http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/STEERINGMEASURINGGUIDE.htm

 

[wems]

Re: 115hp Johnson do i need to replace steering cable?

im thinking 11ft would be best, but should i get the 12ft to be on the safe side? last cable was 10.5ft so im guessing 11 is suitable and measurements come to say 11ft, but wondering if its okay to go a foot long to be on the safe side?

 

[wems]

Re: 115hp Johnson do i need to replace steering cable?

okay I just ordered the rotary no feedback steering... Now What all do I need to take apart on my current steering and whats the best way to get rid of the current cable? cut it? it seems that most of the wiring in the boat has been ziptied to the current cable so i guess I can figure out the wiring placement once i get the new parts...

also any detailed guides on how to install this?

thanks again for help.

 

[5150abf]

Re: 115hp Johnson do i need to replace steering cable?

boat ownership is a hoot ain't it!
You will love the new set-up, night and day difference.
Again if my memory serves(sometimes not so much) the new hole needs to be bigger than the old hole and you will need to drill 3 holes, i am sure it will come with instructions and a template for the holes.
To get the new hole over the old hole I have clamped a peice of plywood behind the existing hole to give the hole saw a center, then drill, if the drill wanders a bit don't sweat it , the cover will cover it.
As far as the wiring, the new one will sit alittle deeper but they are alot smaller and you should be able to just move the wires out of the way.

 

[wems]

Re: 115hp Johnson do i need to replace steering cable?

okay good cause the current wire is turning out to be a real pain, I bought some bolt cutters and just got it cut, now hopefully I can get it out of the boat now...

Also Im guessing I will be able to use the same steering wheel? and what about the part right behind the steering wheel? or will the new system give me a new steering wheel setup and bar that hooks to it (sry for lack of big words 8) )