Can I install Power Assist Steering?

[harleyfatboy]

I have a question regarding steering: I have a 1994 Force Elpt 120 hp on a 94 BL Capri with rack and pinion steering - the steering seems fine and it is freshly lubed and all but still a little stiff - I don't find it an issue per say but my wife has difficulty with it: any ideas as to how I can make it work easier? Is there a power assist system that can be installed, or is there something els I can do - or am I dreaming? Thanks for your ideas.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Can I install Power Assist Steering?

When is it stiff? Example, if the boat is stopped in the water or on the trailer, how is it then? What is the temperature where you are? What does the routing of the steering cable look like.....does it have any sharp bends, especially at the rack or at the entrance to the engine mount?

Mark

 

[harleyfatboy]

Re: Can I install Power Assist Steering?

Hey, Mark.

The steering is pretty stiff in and out of the water, I would say maybe a little stiffer out? I purchased the boat last summer. The boat is stored in my garage and I only took it out during the summer and early fall here in on the west coast of BC - quite mild temperatures well above freezing now and quite warm in the summer - there doesn't appear to be any serious bends - there is a bit of bend in the cable at the rack where it bends around the inside of the hull as it weaves its way to the outboard. Should I be looking at a grease nipple at the rack. I greased it at the back because I found the grease fitting there and it just wondering if I missed something like that? I just doesn't seem right that it is so stiff.

Regards.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Can I install Power Assist Steering?

for safety reasons and convenience you want it a little stiff so it will hold a course easier. Because of the prop's torque and the effect from bouncing over a wave, the motor can veer sharply if you happen to let go, lose your grip, etc. At low speeds in open water you might let it drive itself, like if you're trolling and need to step away from the helm to check a line.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Can I install Power Assist Steering?

Hear what you are saying Home Cookin, but Teleflex markets zero feedback systems and has for a long time that correct that. It has no effect on the steering, it just keeps the engine from trying to control the helm. I have one.

Harley, if you are having problems out of the water, remove the engine from the steering....bolt right under the front of the engine and turn the engine back and forth by hand and move the steering wheel back and forth.

Tell me what you feel.

Mark

 

[harleyfatboy]

Re: Can I install Power Assist Steering?

Hey, Mark.

Just did what you suggested - engine loose as a goose and can move it with my baby finger. Steering wheel hard knocks just as before - thoughts?

Regards.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Can I install Power Assist Steering?

I have a question regarding steering: I have a 1994 Force Elpt 120 hp on a 94 BL Capri with rack and pinion steering -

I'm familiar with that exact combo, neighbor had one. No matter what they did, it ALWAYS stiffened up where it was VERY tough to turn. Replaced the cable, it was good for half a year and then back to its normal self. The motor itself is free, it a combination of the rack as well as the cable itself.

Best suggestion would be to gut the standard cable and go with a hydraulic system. Spendy, but it would take care of the problem. There might be cheaper steering kits you could put in also that might help.

(neighbor solved the problem, or I should say his force engine solved the problem when it locked up from a water pump failure)

 

[seabob4]

Re: Can I install Power Assist Steering?

New cable with a Teleflex NFB 4.2 helm...

 

[harleyfatboy]

Re: Can I install Power Assist Steering?

I'm familiar with that exact combo, neighbor had one. No matter what they did, it ALWAYS stiffened up where it was VERY tough to turn. Replaced the cable, it was good for half a year and then back to its normal self. The motor itself is free, it a combination of the rack as well as the cable itself.

Best suggestion would be to gut the standard cable and go with a hydraulic system. Spendy, but it would take care of the problem. There might be cheaper steering kits you could put in also that might help.

(neighbor solved the problem, or I should say his force engine solved the problem when it locked up from a water pump failure)

Well, I will be sure to check the water pump before the boating season for starters - I would rather solve this problem on my terms Is there not a way to get some lubrication in the cable system? I think that's what it needs!

 

[harleyfatboy]

Re: Can I install Power Assist Steering?

New cable with a Teleflex NFB 4.2 helm...

Seabob4,

Can you direct me to where I can get more info on this Teleflex NFB system?

Have you or are you using that system?

I guess I will try an internet search.

regards.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Can I install Power Assist Steering?

Is there not a way to get some lubrication in the cable system? I think that's what it needs!

Ayuh,... Steering cables are Replaced, not greased... It's a Non-servicable part...