Steering cable replacement

[07Searay]

Hello everybody. First let me begin by saying that I have limited repair experience, but love to fix things. I have an 07 searay 185. My steering started stiffening up after about a week or two of sitting but I could always work out the stiffness by turning the wheel (hard at first) back and forth a few times. Last week I completely broke it. I turned too hard and it snapped under the dash where the cable comes out of the rack. So no big deal for me I got a good deal on a brand new replacement cable and set to taking mine out. ....... Here comes the problem. I can't get the end out of the power steering device. Am I missing something? On one hand I say it is going to be hard because it was locked up to begin with. On the other hand I just can't see even the repair techs spending this much time and effort to remove the stupid thing. Any help??

 

[Don S]

Re: Steering cable replacement

I just can't see even the repair techs spending this much time and effort to remove the stupid thing. Any help??

We don't. Heat that aluminum tube with a propane torch and it will come out. Then clean the tube out (Shotgun cleaning tool works wonders) then put some grease on the new cable end and keep it cleaned and lubed. It is obviously used in salt water and gets a lot of salt water on it as an 07 boat hasn't had years for corrosion to build. You better find a way to keep it dry, that's not all that can (and will) go bad back there.

 

[Pat M.]

Re: Steering cable replacement

I found your query while in the midst of having the identical problem. I had to remove a cotter pin at the hydraulic steerring housing on the transom. I had spoken with a repair tech who hadn't mentioned this pin. But in his defense, that was probably a no brainer if you've ever pulled one off before and know exactly how they are attached!! Needless to say, I would wait on the propane torch if you haven't pulled the cotter pin!!!


Good luck!!

 

[Pat M.]

Re: Steering cable replacement

I found out about the cotter pin in my Clymer's Volvo Penta Shop Manual that I bought at a local repair shop for about $30. It is definately worth the cash.

 

[07Searay]

Re: Steering cable replacement

Thank you all for your posts. I have removed the cotter pin and separated it at that end. As Don (with his obvious years of priceless wisdom) recommends, I need to get it out of the sleeve part. Thanks Don. I had actually considered that but ruled it out because of the closeness of wires, hoses and such. And yes, it is primarily used in salt water.

 

[Don S]

Re: Steering cable replacement

It can be tricky to get stuff out of the way, but it can be done, and heat is about the only way to get the cable out of the tube when corroded like that. You REALLY need to find a way to keep your engine compartment and engine dry or you are going to have some very expensive problems.

I found out about the cotter pin in my Clymer's Volvo Penta Shop Manual that I bought at a local repair shop for about $30. It is definately worth the cash.

WOW, do you have a lot to learn about those manuals. Those manuals (and I use the term loosly) are good for ripping pages out of and starting camp fires, not fixing boats. Wrong info, lack of info, all for 30 bucks. Get the OEM and get something that will work.

 

[Pat M.]

Re: Steering cable replacement

Wasn't trying to step on your toes Don, but the info i was given by a Volvo mech. didn't include the clevis pin (I called it a cotter pin earlier), and as I stated before I figured that was because he had knowledge that I didn't - which made the pin an after thought for him. Searay07 stated having little experience, so I thought it possible his situation was the same.

As far as the book, I agree an OEM would be a better choice. Didn't really research the manuals before buying it, but am still happy that I have it for basic info. If I get into more in depth work I will be sure to take your advise and get an OEM manual.