How to measure a Uflex M86 steering cable

[Rivergator]

I am in the process of replacing the steering cable. The old cable was a Teleflex SSC12418 cable which was a bit too long. I am going to replace that cable with a Uflex M86 cable which is less expensive and has excellent reviews. My dilemma is I don't know how to order that cable not knowing if both companies apply the same standard determining the length of their cables. So here is what I measured. Starting at the helm pinion gear and loosely routing a rope from there up to the big nut on the P/S unit, which is 14.5' see picture #1. The distance from that big nut to the end of the SS rod, where the rod connects to the P/S unit is another 17". See pic #2. The position of the steering arm (drive) is dead center see Pic #3. What do you think this is called, a 15', 16' or 17' cable?

 

[kenny nunez]

Measure he length of the plastic jacket in inches then add 30 inches, round up to the next foot. That should give you the correct length of your present cable. Be careful because sometimes 1 less may not be enough.

 

[Rivergator]

Kenny, the measurement of just the jacket is 14'. I add 30" to it and round it up to the next foot would then make it a 17' cable, I guess. I measured everything loosely accounting for mounting and curves and the distance from the nut to the end of the rod is 17" that would make it a 16' cable. I will take another close look. It's either a 16 or 17 foot cable. You are right, I can't afford to be wrong on this.

 

[Rivergator]

My problem is solved. With enough research and measuring done, what I need is a 16' cable. Btw., the length of a M86 or SSC124 cable is the distance from the end mounting hole of the rod to the center of the rack.

 

[kenny nunez]

My problem is solved. With enough research and measuring done, what I need is a 16' cable. Btw., the length of a M86 or SSC124 cable is the distance from the end mounting hole of the rod to the center of the rack.

Remember that the cable has to be free enough to allow the power steering actuating valve to move in either direction.