Steering Cable getting tight........

[mrcj001]

Last few times out I noticed my steering is getting tighter and harder to turn. I have a `87 Cajun bass boat with a 1975, 135 Johnson.

Do I have to remove the engine to replace the steering cable??

It does have power tilt and trim.........

Is there any write-ups somewhere on the job???

 

[ezeke]

Re: Steering Cable getting tight........

First disconnect the cable at the motor and make sure that the motor swings freely. If the problem is the cable, try the following link to help identify the setup that you have, and select the correct instruction manual: http://www.teleflexmarine.com/cgi-bin/library.cgi?site=steering&type=us&library=1018

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Steering Cable getting tight........

it really depends on how much room you have. the shaft has to come straight out of the motor, no bending.

this is rotary helm:



this is a rack and pinion helm

 

[ftltony]

Re: Steering Cable getting tight........

Like Tash mentioned, the cable MUST come straight out because, if it doesn't, the one that goes back in won't go in straight and that would be a problem!

On my flats boat, I had to remove the bolts that hold the motor to the transom, slide the motor away from the cable and it slid right out of the steering tube. After you get the new cable in, slide the motor back over to the center of the transom and connect everything back together again and you are done.

I would suggest getting a "lubrication" system and installing it on the new cable. Its worth its weight in gold!

 

[F_R]

Re: Steering Cable getting tight........

How does your cable look other than that? If it is not cracked or other obvious defects, don't even think about replacing it till you first pull it out of the tilt tube at the motor. Those tilt tubes are notorious for rusting inside and making it difficult for the cable to slide in and out. If that is the case you need to clean out the tilt tube and relube and not replace the cable unless it is otherwise bad.

There are wire brushes made for cleaning the tube out. Someday I'm going to check to see if iboats has them. When I get around to it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Steering Cable getting tight........

i also encourage you to install one of these, they are fairly new.

http://www.iboats.com/Steering_Cabl...16092916--**********.527721149--view_id.39716

 

[tysonnathan]

Re: Steering Cable getting tight........

could be the engine itself.... you greased it lately?? you could disconnect the steering rod from the motor, and then try the steering wheel... if it turns freely when not connected to the motor, then you know its the engine...

 

[ftltony]

Re: Steering Cable getting tight........

How does your cable look other than that? If it is not cracked or other obvious defects, don't even think about replacing it till you first pull it out of the tilt tube at the motor. Those tilt tubes are notorious for rusting inside and making it difficult for the cable to slide in and out. If that is the case you need to clean out the tilt tube and relube and not replace the cable unless it is otherwise bad.

There are wire brushes made for cleaning the tube out. Someday I'm going to check to see if iboats has them. When I get around to it.

I did this same thing the FIRST time my cable froze up with the brushes and it worked fine and dandy for a season but over the wintertime (When I lived in Maryland, UGH!) it froze back up because the boat wasn't being used.

I replaced my "tube" that spring and was able to use the same steering cable but I also installed the Cable Buddy system and over the next 4 years, I never EVER had any type of troubles. It makes your steering cable work just like it was just installed and I just sold my Flats Boat last month and the steering was still as fresh as the day I put the new tube on. Its super easy to install and worth the time.

 

[mrcj001]

Re: Steering Cable getting tight........

Thanks for the responses....I`ll let you guys know how it went after this week-end........