steering problems on cable type

behavin · 21 June 2004, 17:20

hi all
i have what i consider the standard cable steering ie the red covered morse cable that i believe runs through a worm srcew.
However i've noticed that the steering has started to slip when under heavy loading especially when the two engines are not trimmed out properly.
Is there anything i can check for and/or adjust to tighten it up or is it a case of replacing the whole steering system?
any tips hints would be great?
cheers
pete

tue · 21 June 2004, 17:37

Sounds like the teeth on the helm are worn out. If you take the back off the helm unit you will probably notice the teeth are worn down, since its only aluminium and soft if gets worn out by the stainless worm screw of the cable Idealy really need to change the cable and helm. (You cannot but parts for the helm so its a complete unit). Make sure you get a No Feed Back helm too as this help with any problems of torque steer.

roohairy · 22 June 2004, 02:44

I had something similar happen, 2 teeth sheared off so the steering was fine most of the time but would suddenly 'jump' if loaded in the right place. Make sure you get the right helm to suit your cable, a supplier identified mine wrongly and I ended up buying a cable as well, the cable cost more than the helm!

Matt · 22 June 2004, 08:42

Since you're running twins, I wouldn't be too concerned with an NFB helm, though they are a personal preference thing I guess.
I would however replace the helm & cable ASAP. Once the pinion starts losing teeth, they can very quickly jam the steering completely and once this happens there is little you can do about it.
If you're concerned about the steering loads, try playing with the toe in/out of the engines.

Manos · 22 June 2004, 08:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by behavin

However i've noticed that the steering has started to slip when under heavy loading especially when the two engines are not trimmed out properly.

IMHO you need to chage the bell and the cable too (think you call it that way) as tue says the teath are worn out and it will get worst. I believe there are two types heavy duty and normal. Use heavy duty.
But why you don't use a hydraulic steering system? I would think that with twins hydraulic is a must?

Matt · 22 June 2004, 13:36

Why is it a must? It's only a pair of 65's. IMHO just replace the broken bits and go boating.

Manos · 22 June 2004, 15:52

I believe Mat that I had said IMHO I feel is a MUST to have hydraulic steering on twins. But that is me who puts Hydraulic systems on single 115BHPs and single 40BHPs.

Many reasons for doing this but having used cables and all that I just feel that in the long run is better to have a hydraulic steering system rather than mechanical

Matt · 22 June 2004, 16:11

It's not a 'MUST' though is it. It's an option.

Matt · 22 June 2004, 16:14

Bugger, I should have used my other user name for this one, I can see I'm gonna get red blobbed.

Manos · 22 June 2004, 16:16

Don't get it. Read my post from the begining Mat I said IMHO didn't I? and yes is a must IMHO Can't see your point?

Manos · 22 June 2004, 16:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMat

Bugger, I should have used my other user name for this one, I can see I'm gonna get red blobbed.

Nah will give you a greeny

behavin · 22 June 2004, 19:03

errrr thanks guys i didnt mean to start a war of words......?
I'll have a look at the helm.. trouble is its in the console and a bit of a so and so to get to and to get the cable off its lift the starboard engine off (the cable is right under the cone and A frame)
I'll have a chat with the local dealer and see if he's got any spare helms.
Out of interest how much is a HD cable steering system complete compared to hydraulic ??
cheers
pete

Pete7 · 22 June 2004, 19:08

Pete, they start at £100 for a kit in a box whilst hydraulic is going to be £400. Is the steering heavy ? if so then it might be worth the extra for hydraulic.

Pete

Manos · 22 June 2004, 19:08

No worries Pete this is nothing

In Greece it costs for the HD cable about Euro 40-70 and for the HD bell (the steering thing) about Euro 80. Say about Euro 150-180 and for Euro 300-400 you get a hydraulic system I recon.

However let me check with my engineer and will let you know the exact prices

behavin · 22 June 2004, 19:17

pete 7
I think i'm right in saying that trimming one engine slightly more than the other makes steering easier.I do this and when trimmed like this the steering is lovely and light but it is heavy when both trimmed together. When right my 5 year old steers quite happily and at slow speeds there is weight on it but its not excessive.
as above i'll see my man here tomorrow and see whats what but hydraulic i think would be an expensive luxury....

Manos · 23 June 2004, 09:01

As I promissed the actual prices for HD Cable and Bell for a twin engine set is Euro 155.00

Prices for the hydraulic system for the twin engines has as follows:
A cheap one is Euro 300.00
and
by Yamaha Euro 900.00

Hope above helps

Rupert Bear · 24 June 2004, 22:37

My HD NFB steering is showing signs of major play after 10 months so is going to be replaced soon with hydraulic.
Any recommendations of what type to use and where to buy it? I have some of the brochures and prices but would have to order the unit without every seeing one first.
I would prefer something that fits through the steering tube rather than a ram mounted on the transom.

Syd · 27 June 2004, 18:18

I had the same problem with my Regal. Like the others have said, it turned out to be a couple of sheared teeth on the steering helm. I relaced the helm unit with a heavy duty steering head from teleflex, it cost just £61.80 and was really easy to fit.
Syd

behavin · 07 July 2004, 14:57

Hi all just an update really.
Steering is now fixed.The problem was the teeth having worn out on the drum inside the helm.The cable seemed fine.
However i got a new Helm nfb and fitted it being told that the cable would lock in BUT IT DIDNT. Told to try and modify the end to get it to lock in BUT IT DIDNT BU**ER!
So as was said in the thread had to get a new cable as well.Which i suppose isn't such a bad thing as i now know its all 100% again.
thanks for the tips.
pete

Happy rib owner again....if not a little poorer???

Rupert Bear · 11 July 2004, 20:24

I bit the bullet and bought the LS hydraulic steering that the fish farm boys use locally from my local supplier. The problem is that I have to turn the wheel slowly to the right to keep the boat in a straight line.
Now I used to work on hydraulic machines and I am sure it is bled fully and there are no external leaks so that leaves the piston leaking from one side to tother or the lock valves in the helm unit passing oil under load from the engine.
Anybody came across this fault before?