Steering Rod/cable question

[bfan781]

Hi,
Does anyone know the length of the steering rod? Are there different sizes or are they all one size. I am trying to determine if I can replace the steering cable with out messing/removing the enigine. It looks like a tight squeeze but I think it may be able to be doable. I would like to try and see if it is doable before order the cable.

Any input would be great.

Reason why I am doing this is the bar appears to be bent slightly, I feel slippage when turning the wheel and there is a small tear in the jacket of the cable.

thanks guys!

 

[bfan781]

Re: Steering Rod/cable question

Also, is there an easy way to tell what kind of steering I have? I believe it is rotary but want to double check.
thanks

 

[bfan781]

Re: Steering Rod/cable question

I figured out i have rotary steering not just really want to know the length of that rod. You can't find that anywhere!!! Also is it worth upgrading to the no feedback steering..

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Steering Rod/cable question

What Merc do you have? How a bout a pic of the rod you are talking about, it may be fine.

 

[bfan781]

Re: Steering Rod/cable question

I have 98 115hp mariner. I know that the rod at the end of the steering cable is standard but I am trying to figure out if I will be able to get the new one in ok. Some say they can, some have to move motor. If its a 12" rod and I have 14" I am golden, if its reversed I'm screwed

I am just trying to check the Clearance prior to ordering it. That information can't be found anywhere

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Steering Rod/cable question

Are you talking about the end of the steering cable?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Steering Rod/cable question

Collapse the rod down to it's shortest. If it is still too long, you can unbolt and slide the motor to the port side to create more space.

 

[bfan781]

Re: Steering Rod/cable question

Hi
Thanks for getting back to me
Yes I am talking about the end of the steering cable that is a steel rod. The cable needs to be replaced but I have limited space so I was curious about the length to see if it would go in ok.

Do I need any hoists for anything to unbolt and slide it over? Is it a tough thing to do?

What do you mean by collapse it to the shortest length? Isn't it one size?
That is why I was trying to get length a head of time to see if it would go in without messing with the motor

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Steering Rod/cable question

Chris means turn the wheel all the way left or right, which ever pulls the steering cable in.

What motor do you have?

 

[bfan781]

Re: Steering Rod/cable question

Thanks Chris and everyone for their help!

Is unbolting the engine and sliding it over an easy task? Or do I need any special equipment. Just trying to map it all out before I start the process. Any more insight would be really helpful.

thanks again!!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Steering Rod/cable question

First make sure the motor will not fall off the transom, while you slide it. Older motors had more of a transom clamp. Newer ones are more L shaped, versus U shaped. U shaped clamps will usually hold the motor onto the transom. L shaped transom clamps will allow the motor to fall off.