Every year I have to remove the steering cable from the steering tube as it gets gunked up. Looking a the steering cable, there seems to be some separation where the cable and the nut meet so I am wondering if it is time to replace the cable. My questions are:
Is this a DIY job?
How do you determine cable length, does it have to be removed in order to do so?
If this is not a DIY job, approx. what would such a job cost?
I am supposed to go to FL in 2 weeks so I need to do something pretty soon.
Thanks
No problem as a DIY project, it’s easy. Shouldn’t take more than an hour, total.
teleflexmarine.com has pdf files on every product they make, as well as instructions for determining cable length. Easier to remove and measure, but you still need measurement instructions Here is a video…
http://www.teleflexmarine.com/4877/marketing-material/videos/measuring-a-steering-cable-video/
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Ok, it looks like the cable end closest to the steering box just plugs into the box itself. Do I just pull out the pin where the cable goes into the box and pull the cable out? Is that pin all that holds the cable in? Can it be that easy? I know that it is going to be a PITA snaking the new cable back through the conduit. Is that the hardest part? Am I missing something?
Sorry about so many question, just trying to save some money.
It is a diy, but…
The main complication I’ve seen is that you need enough room beside the motor to pull the cable out of the tube on the motor. On some boats there is room. On others, you have to pull the motor off of the transom. On a whaler 15 I helped on, we removed 3 of 4 mounting bolt, loosened the fourth and tilted the motor sideways on it to pull the cable. Not difficult on a yamaha 70. Would be tricky on a larger motor.
If that is not an issue on your hull, then it goes quickly.
It sounds like a Teleflex ‘Quick-Disconnect’ cable. If so, pull the pin. Used the pin or a punch or other to press into the hole in the collar very near where the pin came out. You’ll press a spring ring that keeps the cable in place. Press the retainer and turn your wheel to move the cable out of the helm. The cable will pop out when it gets to the end of its normal travel.
Your existing cable will have its style and length written on its casing.
17’ Henry O Hornet
26’ Palmer Scott
Thanks Cracker Larry and PalmerScott for your input on replacing a steering cable. I was close to taking it to a dealer but decided at the last minute to try it myself. Glad I did. Took about an hour and cost me about $90. As an added benefit, I neatened up the wiring under my console since I was crammed under there anyway.
Thanks guys!
I’m in the middle of doing this on my Sea Pro and unfortunately have to deal with what PalmerScott said. Gotta lift the motor (groan) I’ll get it though…
After 12 yrs, my steering helm bracket was about to fall apart. The bolts were incredibly rusted. Glad I’m changing it because I would have been on the water somewhere holding the unattached helm in my hands (Not Good!)
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.sswaonline.com
I am headed to the Keys Sunday and while I can’t stop everything from breaking, replacing a 10 year old steering cable makes one less thing that could go wrong. I replaced my livewell pump and a couple of switches last week and got a new battery so hopefully no probs while we are there.
Excellent, I knew you could do it:wink:
10 years old:question:Yep, it was past time!
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Happy Boating… That’ll work until the next thing breaks 
17’ Henry O Hornet
26’ Palmer Scott