Replacing Steering Cable

Most boat steering systems do not go bad. What usually goes bad is the cable somewhere under the boat or in the back by the engine. The cable covering can crack and moisture causes the interior to rust. This can eventually cause steering difficulties. I have seen boats where the steering cables freeze up and people turn the steering wheel so hard that it strips the gears in the steering unit. Cables can be replaced as well as the entire steering system (unit that steering wheel attaches to).

Before you go out to buy a system or cable, make sure the part of the cable that slides through the tube at the front of the engine is well greased. This is a common cause for hard steering. With the steering wheel turned all the way to one side, put grease on the cable that attaches to the swing arm. Then turn the steering wheel several times back and forth. You may have to repeat this process a couple of times but it may solve your problem.

For some strange reason, buying a steering cable by itself can be as expensive as buying the entire steering system. A cable by itself can cost about $150-$175 depending on the length, while the entire system including a cable will normally cost around $165 plus labor to install.

While your system may be fine, for around the same cost you can have a state of the art system. The systems that Telfex sells these days are very good and easy to use.

If you have to replace the steering cable, start by taking off the cable from the engine end and the steering wheel side. There are about 4 different types of steering units that are in use depending on the age of your boat. They range from simple to "don't try this at home". The simple one uses a little pin tool to push in a little hole that releases the cable.

On the "don't try this at home" versions, you have to literally take the unit apart. Taking it apart is the easy part but putting it back together even gives me trouble and I've done hundreds of them. Qualified technicians should only work on this type of steering unit.

The other types of units require either removing the large nut at the end of the cable or removing a nut and bolt that hold the cable in the unit. This enables the cable to slide out of the housing when the steering wheel is turned in the correct direction.

Most cables attach to the engine using the same method. A large nut is backed off the right side of the engine where the steering cable enters the front of the engine. The cable goes through the tube in front of the engine and comes out on the left side of the engine and attaches to the swing arm. A 9/16" nut with washers must be removed. Be careful not to lose any parts. Once the cable is undone at both ends, it can be pulled through the engine tube and removed from under the boat. You may have to get under the boat to help guide the cable through the Z-bars.

To install a new cable, just reverse the process used to remove the cable.

If you decide to replace the entire system, directions come with the system.

If you are like me, you don't like reading directions until it's too late, but you can always read them when no one is looking. That way you can protect your reputation. Just kidding.


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