hydraulic steering blew out!

[btruong]

i was out boating today and 10 min out i hear this loud snapping sound and the boat banks right really hard. cut off the throttle and learn that the steering system just broke! the steering wheel spins with no resistance and no effect on the outboard. also, the motor spins on the swivel freely. its a hydraulic steering system (i believe) on a 94/95 Cobia 16' center console with a 94 Suzuki DT40. what might be the problem? im guessing i blew a seal and it needs to be replaced. thank you.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: hydraulic steering blew out!

Hydraulic steering is rarely used on boats that size, its more likely the cable broke.

Just pull it off and measure it, a new one can be purchased from here at iboats.

 

[Bondo]

Re: hydraulic steering blew out!

Ayuh,... And if it is Hyd.... Fill it,+ find the leak, then fix it...

 

[btruong]

Re: hydraulic steering blew out!

okay so i find out its cable and real rusted. the insulation cracked right where it met the motor (also where the most water would splash on it). im stuck at the part on how to get the cable out. it seems to be connected to a smaller shaft that inserts into a bigger one, which links to the engine. both shafts go through a tube, which is also the tilt swivel for the motor. so how do i get the shafts out? pulling the shaft/cable (starboard), it gets stuck when the end of the shaft hits the bushing on the other side. pulling the shaft (port), it just doesnt come out. how do i remove this?

 

[seabob4]

Re: hydraulic steering blew out!

Once you disconnect the steering link that attaches to the portside end of the cable, the cable should pull out from the starboard side. If not, spray both ends of the tilt tube with PB Blaster, and let it soak. You probably have a lot of rust/corrosion inside the tilt tube.

 

[Fed]

Re: hydraulic steering blew out!

If the shaft is hitting the splash well then you will have to unbolt the motor, a PITA but pretty common really.

 

[btruong]

Re: hydraulic steering blew out!

i figured i would have to unbolt the motor. im still a little concerned on finding a replacement cable. this is the factory steering set up that came with the boat. (cobia). if i buy a new teleflex cable (same size), would it universally work? or do i have to change the whole steering set up?

also, once i unbolt the motor and reattach it, what do i need to seal it with?

 

[Fed]

Re: hydraulic steering blew out!

Check the helm first, the cable may not be broken.

 

[seabob4]

Re: hydraulic steering blew out!

99.5% of OEM builders use Teleflex NFB steering systems on their cable installs, the other .5% use UFlex...