steering locked up

[trent741]

Hi all, new here , first post. I have a 1997 Sea Ray Seville 17' 3.0 mercruiser w/power steering.<br />Last year after I got it all "summer ready" and making sure everything worked I turned the wheel allthe way to the left and when i want to turn it back it froze up. Talked to a few people about it and suggested removing the cable at the rear of the boat first. I removed the 2 pins from the system now the outdrive moves freely but the wheel still wont turn, where do I go from here? thanks in advance!!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: steering locked up

replace the cable.

 

[trent741]

Re: steering locked up

Is there not maybe something wrong behind the steering wheel that might be the problem?

 

[Ralphy]

Re: steering locked up

Doubtful trent. If the cable is frozen it is either broken or rusted up inside and the only safe and sure fix is to replace it.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: steering locked up

Problem I see is you said "power steering". <br /><br />To me that smells of hydraulic fluid being pumped from the helm to the engine; not a mechanical cable like the rest of us fresh water salts use.<br /><br />Would anyone care to reassess their response as I am not a power steering guru.<br /><br />Mark

 

[trent741]

Re: steering locked up

yes it my boat has power steering which the unit is mounted on the side of engine with two hoses going into the steering arm which the cable also connects to.

 

[Bondo]

Re: steering locked up

Either the Helm,.... Or the Cable is Junk..........<br /><br />When bought as a Combo,... Helm,+ Cable,...... It's about as Cheap as it Gets,..........<br />As far as working on Boats anyways.......<br /><br />What you need to know is,.....<br />Is it a Rack,+ Pinion,... Or Rotary Helm,..??...<br />And,.. The Length of the Cable....... It's Usually printed on it within a couple of feet from the Tiller End..........<br /><br />Good Luck.....

 

[trent741]

Re: steering locked up

well, ok I am going to get a new cable and install it. It has a rectangle box under the dash that the cable goes into so must be a rack and pinion. Have looked and I guess a teleflex ss-141 14ft will do the job since my cable says 13.6 ft long...thanks to everyone for all the help!!!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: steering locked up

Easy to distinguish. Rack and pinion consists of a long (and straight) black rack (perpendicular to the steering shaft) and a pinion box on the rear of the steering shaft.<br /><br />The rotary has a big circular thing on the rear of the shaft with a plastic stub to receive the cable when you turn in one direction.<br /><br />Teleflex/Morse have a web site and can help you. Your cable has a number stamped on it (if theirs) that is very near the metallic connection where the cable connects to the helm steering device. If it is not visable, get a mirror and flashlight....it's there. They need the number to get you the exact replacement.<br /><br />HTH<br /><br />Mark

 

[Bondo]

Re: steering locked up

There's a Pretty Good Chance that the Issue is in the Rack,......<br />When the pinion wears,.. It'll Bind on the Rack,.... Especially at it's Full Limits........<br /><br />And,...... After you price out what You Think you Need,........<br /><br />You'll See what I mean,....<br />The price of the Cable is usually Very Close to the Price of the Combo Unit...........<br /><br />Why do it Twice,..???........