Replacing steering cable

[sirrob281]

Hi guys, I have a 1985 Fish and ski bayliner. The steering has become a real problem, first it got hard to steer, then it just locked up. I did some investigating
and found the gears in the cable were broken. So with that being said I need to replace the cable. Its a single cable teleflex rack and pinion steering system, with the cable being about 11 ft. So any idea of where I can get this cable, and what would be the best way to remove this cable. I have seen 11 ft rack cable but I didn't know if that was the right one. Any help would be great.

Rob from Rochester ny

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: Replacing steering cable

Model number is on the plastic cable sheath a foot or 2 from each end. I got mine online (a 14') for about $90, nearly half the price charged at the marine stores.

Good luck!

 

[bcbaylinerboy]

Re: Replacing steering cable

I would take the old one out completely 1st, and then get a replacement. This way you will get the proper length. You can get just a cable or the cable and helm as an assembly. You probably want the whole kit. Comes with new hardwareas well. I just changed mine on my 17.5 foot bayliner. works great now

 

[sirrob281]

Re: Replacing steering cable

Thanks guys for your advice. I finally got the old cable out. Turned out to be a tougher job then what I thought. So anyways the only numbers i could make out on this cable was 12412 12 ft cable. I am finding this number for the cable, but i am worried about getting the right rack that goes under the dash. I would rather not replace the whole system if i dont have to. I have tried like crazy to find the replacement part number with no luck. If you guys would let me know where you ordered your cable from that would be cool.

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: Replacing steering cable

SSC12412 is what you need. Cable with rack and motor end as a unit.

iBoats is one source:

http://www.iboats.com/1_SSC12412/dm/category_id.246969--*******.290034918--**********.109822115--view_id.135381

http://www.marineengine.com/products/accessory.php?in=3464906 is another.

Good Luck!

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Replacing steering cable

All else fails, Google Teleflex and use the Contact button...

 

[bcbaylinerboy]

Re: Replacing steering cable

if you get just the cable you'd better make sure that its teeth engage with the old helm teeth....When I purchased my new one I got the complete set..and was i ever glad i did, cause had i not..the teeth would not have fit. They were 2 different sizes.....(phew !) ....and actually the difference in price at my marine guy was only about $20....why not go completly new for that price.....you wont be kicking yourself later..Just a thought..

 

[Bama71568]

Re: Replacing steering cable

I have a 1989 capri and not to take away from this site but I bought mine on Ebay total cost was 140.00 and it came with everything including a new steering wheel.

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: Replacing steering cable

if you get just the cable you'd better make sure that its teeth engage with the old helm teeth....When I purchased my new one I got the complete set..and was i ever glad i did, cause had i not..the teeth would not have fit. They were 2 different sizes.....(phew !) ....and actually the difference in price at my marine guy was only about $20....why not go completly new for that price.....you wont be kicking yourself later..Just a thought..

The new ones (full kits) have a different rack design, and so the new rack will not fit the old style steering gear and mount. If you buy the correct replacement cable (SSC12412 in sirro's case) it has the proper rack and will fit just fine. Just did it 2 months ago, in my case on the 91 Capri with an SSC12415. The newer style cable/rack is, I believe, an SS 134XX. Sirro's cable is marked with 12412. That tells him what he needs. The last two digits are cable length.

 

[sirrob281]

Re: Replacing steering cable

Thanks for all your help. I ordered just the cable last night. I will keep my fingers crossed that it all works. It will be here Tuesday. I will let you all know the results when it arrives.

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: Replacing steering cable

Good Luck! BTW, the install was much easier than the removal. Hope it goes well for you. Made a HUGE difference in steering comfort with mine.

BTW, are you running a hydrofoil? I was and it made WOT steering VERY difficult, and i believe it helped to lead to the failure of 2 cables in 3 years on my boat. It's being replaced by Smart Tabs. I expect WOT steering to be much better when I'm done.

 

[sirrob281]

Re: Replacing steering cable

I figured it would be MUCH easier to install. Really the only major problem I had was cutting all the foam they sprayed into and around the hole where the cable went through. So yeah it should be easier for sure. I have never used the hydrofoil. I would say tho the steering had started to get harder over the past 5 yrs, and this past Tuesday it started to click when I was turning, and finally just locked up, and on this same trip my new starter went too,lol. It was a great night, even the fish weren't biting either. The starter wasan easy fix, just got it exchanged. So hopefully between that and the cable I will be done for this year,lol

 

[sirrob281]

Re: Replacing steering cable

Success! The cable fit just perfect! thank you guys so much. It now turns with 1 finger. Hasn't done that in 10 yrs.

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: Replacing steering cable

I love it when it all comes together well. Congratulations!

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Replacing steering cable

.....with the success that seems to be happening on this upgrade, I'm pretty sure I'm going to be next on doing it...although probably in the fall.
This feedback and info is going to make it soooooooo much easier....good on ya' guys.

 

[sirrob281]

Re: Replacing steering cable

You gotta do it Bigprairie1. I took it out today for the first time, and I could not believe the difference. I actually could steer with one finger, and let me tell ya that took some getting used to,lol. So good luck and you will be very pleased with the results. Now its time to work on the replacing the bearings on the trailer,lol Its just never ending,lol