Removing Steering Cable (@engine)

[zibzer]

Hello,

I had a problem on the lake today and broke my steering cable the marina said theyd fix it for close to 400 bucks, but looking at this website it looks like i can buy the cable much cheaper (under 200). Anyways heres my dilema:

I pulled the cable out of the steering box no problem (teleflex rotary) but am wondering about how to remove the part on the motor. It looks like the whole steering rod is holding the motor to its frame, kind of like a pivot joint. Im afraid if i pop it out the whole motor is going to fall and ill be in big trouble then.

Also there seems to be 2 parts on the starboard side (shown in pic) but the whole thing moves as one unit. There seems to be a small tube inside a larger tube.

The pic on the port side didn't turn out great but there seems to be a piece on the end (that holds the steering bracket) that swivels on the larger tube but doesn't seems to thread off. Does it come off somehow?

If someone can help me get this off id appreciate it!

Thanks!

-Tony Z

 

[DRIFTER_016]

Re: Removing Steering Cable (@engine)

It should be able to be tapped out with a mallet and punch from the port side.
If there is any corosion it may take a little persuesion (sp?)

 

[zibzer]

Re: Removing Steering Cable (@engine)

It should be able to be tapped out with a mallet and punch from the port side.
If there is any corosion it may take a little persuesion (sp?)

I can force it out but should both tubes be coming out or just the small inside one? I think the Large hollow tube is called a Tilt Tube? maybe someone can correct me if im wrong

 

[F_R]

Re: Removing Steering Cable (@engine)

The large outer tube with the threads and big nuts is the tilt tube. That stays with the motor and keeps the whole thing from falling apart as you considered.

Immediatly inside the tilt tube is the part that slides back and forth as you steer. (left arrow in your picture) That slides in the tilt tube and also on the inner tube which is part of the steering cable housing (right arrow in your picture).

Bottom line is you push the (left arrow) part out of the tilt tube. It should slide out easy, but if you have to beat it out, the tilt tube is full of rust and corrosion and must be dealt with before installing the new cable. Hopefully, you can slide the cable out without removing the motor from the boat, not always the case.

 

[zibzer]

Re: Removing Steering Cable (@engine)

The large outer tube with the threads and big nuts is the tilt tube. That stays with the motor and keeps the whole thing from falling apart as you considered.

Immediatly inside the tilt tube is the part that slides back and forth as you steer. (left arrow in your picture) That slides in the tilt tube and also on the inner tube which is part of the steering cable housing (right arrow in your picture).

Bottom line is you push the (left arrow) part out of the tilt tube. It should slide out easy, but if you have to beat it out, the tilt tube is full of rust and corrosion and must be dealt with before installing the new cable. Hopefully, you can slide the cable out without removing the motor from the boat, not always the case.

Thanks pal!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Removing Steering Cable (@engine)

looking at the angle of the cable and motor you may have to take out the motor mounting bolts, and slide the motor over, or you may have to completely remove the motor to get the old one out, and new in.

 

[zibzer]

Re: Removing Steering Cable (@engine)

looking at the angle of the cable and motor you may have to take out the motor mounting bolts, and slide the motor over, or you may have to completely remove the motor to get the old one out, and new in.

yeah I ran into that problem. Im going to have to take the motor off

I called another marina and they said theyd charge me a couple hours labour if I supply the cables. and they wouldnt be able to look at it until next week. Im going to try and slide the motor first though before I bring it to the marina. Last time I brought it to this marina a 500 dollar job turned into 1100 :/

 

[zibzer]

Re: Removing Steering Cable (@engine)

well I wont be able to move that motor without some sort of chain block and a tree... neither of which I have. I guess im going to have to suck it up and get it done at the marina.. and last week I just spent 1800 dollars in repairs for my truck.. o well, I guess thats the way it goes sometimes.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Removing Steering Cable (@engine)

I've pulled six-cylinder Mercury and four-cylinder Johnny/Rude motors (275lbs) from boats using a deadman over the trusses in my carport. If you have a trailer tongue jack, you will not need a hoist only a sling/chain/strong rope. It's not that hard. The experts here, which I am not, will help you.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Removing Steering Cable (@engine)

either Willyclay was, or rent a cherry picker, engine lift.

 

[F_R]

Re: Removing Steering Cable (@engine)

Yep, you can rent an engine hoist here for $25/day. Prices may vary.

 

[zibzer]

Re: Removing Steering Cable (@engine)

hmm, i guess I should have waited for some replies, you know fishing season is starting to heat up and I panicked and gave it to a dealer. under 300 bucks and he'll take care of it. I never thought about renting a machine. I live in the city and have nothing to lift the motor up with or to. Plus with my luck I would have ordered the wrong cable

Anyways its being takin care of now. Thanks for the suggestions though! I appreciate all the help.

 

[LORDY611]

Re: Removing Steering Cable (@engine)

"I pulled the cable out of the steering box no problem (teleflex rotary)"


I'm trying to replace my cable and cant figure how it comes free of the rotary helm. Any tips? I have the motor end disconnected. (Sorry to hijack the thread, but sounds like you have your issue resolved, albeit more expensive than you wanted it to be)