Steering Issue

[bajaboats]

Hello, I have a 2004 202 baja islander with a 5.0 merc sterndrive. While boating this weekend, I was pulling into the island when my steering went completely out. The wheel would just turn freely and the drive would do nothing. I had a friend tow me in. Once getting close to the ramp, my steering came back, but only lasted a couple of turns before it went out again. It's almost like it's slipping. I can hear like a quiet noise when it starts slipping. Right now, sitting on the trailer, it has some steering. The steering system is a teleflex safe-t steering system. I did check the fluid in the reservoir in the engine hatch. It seemed low, but still had fluid. Can anyone help? I'm a newb on these steering systems!

 

[nola mike]

Well, first thing is you need to see where you lose power transmission. I.e., when you turn the wheel, does the steering cable move at the stern? Then does the linkage move on the outdrive? Etc

 

[bajaboats]

Hello, I have a 2004 202 baja islander with a 5.0 merc sterndrive. While boating this weekend, I was pulling into the island when my steering went completely out. The wheel would just turn freely and the drive would do nothing. I had a friend tow me in. Once getting close to the ramp, my steering came back, but only lasted a couple of turns before it went out again. It's almost like it's slipping. I can hear like a quiet noise when it starts slipping. Right now, sitting on the trailer, it has some steering. The steering system is a teleflex safe-t steering system. I believe that is a rotary system. I did check the fluid in the reservoir in the engine hatch. It seemed low, but still had fluid. Can anyone help? I'm a newb on these steering systems!

 

[achris]

Sounds like a helm failure. Non-repairable, buy a new helm unit...

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[muc]

Don't think I would recommend a No Feed Back steering system for an I/O with power steering.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Being a Safety t type check the connection at the helm. Its a mechanical system(cable) with a power assist at the steering cylinder.Even with no power steering it will still work, just a bit harder

 

[bajaboats]

While under the helm, it seems to start slipping once it reaches the end of turning right. Just weird that it went completely out like that and then came back. Is this a NFB system? I do have power steering. Would low fluid cause this? Just need to make sure I order the right parts.

 

[bajaboats]

Sounds like a helm failure. Non-repairable, buy a new helm unit...

Complete Boat Rotary Steering Kits - iboats.com

Complete Boat Rotary Steering Kits - Since 1998, iboats is the most trusted water lifestyle online store for boat parts and accessories, boats for sale, and forums. Enjoy great priced products with fast shipping.

ww2.iboats.com

Would you suggest replacing the cable as well? Seems like these come in kits so might as well replace the whole thing,

 

[bajaboats]

Nevermind, I think I figured it out lol. looks like the cable snapped. Question now is do I have to order the whole set (helm rotary and all), or can I order just the cable?

 

[GA_Boater]

Would you suggest replacing the cable as well? Seems like these come in kits so might as well replace the whole thing,

Tthe cable broke at the helm,so the helm is worn just much. Order a full kit and you won't have to worry about it for a long time.

 

[nola mike]

Tthe cable broke at the helm,so the helm is worn just much. Order a full kit and you won't have to worry about it for a long time.

I'm a betting man, I'd just replace the cable

 

[muc]

Tthe cable broke at the helm,so the helm is worn just much. Order a full kit and you won't have to worry about it for a long time.

The boat is new enough that you should be able to order a kit from iBOATS that's exactly the same as what you have now. No drilling or cutting to install. A kit costs just a little more than just the cable ---- it's worth it.
And no you don't have NFB and you don't want it.

 

[poconojoe]

Look along the outer cable casing for a part number. It will help get the exact replacement.
Mine had a part number stamped right on it.
You will be replacing the inner core wire and the outer casing.

I bought the kit. Cable and helm. I feared the gear in the old one, if worn, would ruin the gear on the new cable, plus it wasn't that much more to get the whole kit.
My helm had tilt steering, so check if you want tilt or solid straight type.

Before you pull the old cable out, tie a strong string or wire to it for pulling in the new cable. This way your new one goes right back through the proper path and it makes it much easier for you to pull it in.

 

[poconojoe]

Oh, my boat is a 2003, also power steering and I had no problem finding the parts.