Teleflex steering cable

Capt.Rob · 16 September 2002, 20:12

Anyone knows how to take apart this cable?I tried to pull out the inner cable (at the engine side) but it looks like there's some
travel stop somewhere.
Reason why I want to dismantle it is because steering is far too heavy,and inner cable moves far from easy in outer cable.
I also have some free play in the steering mechanism.Can this be adjusted? I tried to pull off the steering wheel,but due to some salt water the steering has become one with the mechanism.

Pete7 · 16 September 2002, 20:47

Sorry you can't. They last about five years then chuck them away and start again. Its good commercial business sense. Fitting one is however quite simple and should take about an hour. On the cable it will state the length. Use this when you order a new one. Alternatively go for Hydraulics for big engines as it takes away the torque steering effect. Again its a DIY job taking forever to bleed through. Which ever you decide just look carefully at which way you fit, as its perfectly possible to fit steering so the boat turns the opposite way to the wheel, quite amusing at first, been there done that, Regards Pete

batfalcon · 17 September 2002, 11:08

The time you'll need to replace the cable depends on the type of the boat as well. Mine for example needs more than 3 to 4 because I think I have to move the engine and pass the new cable through "blind" spots under the deck.

DM · 17 September 2002, 11:42

Bin it! Had the same problem with mine earlier this year. Heavy steering, freeplay, steering wheel stuck on. You will need to change the whole unit as the teeth in the head wear eventually starting to slip. I had to drill out the bolts on the steering wheel to get it off. New one was straight forward to fit except had to deflate starboard tube to get the transom tube through the engine. If still not enough clearance you may have to slide the engine over a bit. Job took an hour and cost 150 pounds for a heavy duty unit and cable. Hope this helps. D.M.

Daniel · 17 September 2002, 11:48

Anyone know the cost of fitting a hydraulic system? Something i've been thinking about - I know it'll remove torque steer, but will it get rid of the bouncyness on the wheel in a chop? - Or is this caused by torque steer?

Opinions invited!

Alan · 17 September 2002, 12:08

Hydraulic system is about £600 + fitting (unless of course you DIY.) Can recommend the Hynautic system which we had fitted to our BWM 21 when we upgraded the engine.

No idea what the system is on Blue Ice without looking but wouldn't be without it!

HTH,
Alan

Pete7 · 17 September 2002, 20:29

Try Lee at Fairweather Marine in Fareham, has a web site too. Think he is doing a complete system for about £250 - £300. He is at the Boat Show this week in the engines tent, Tohatsu stand.
There are only two people who touch my engines, me and him, nuff said ?

http://www.fairweathermarine.co.uk/

Pete

Capt.Rob · 17 September 2002, 21:27

After reading these posts I think I'll change to a hydraulic system.
It will be a Vetus system,manufactured by Hydrosta systems.
As I work in the boating business,I'll know these hydraulic systems are very good quality.
I think costs will be around 550-600 euro.(as a d.i.y. job)

Tonight I took off the steering wheel and dismantled the unit.
Seemed that the big gear which moves the cable in and out is worn on the outside where it grips into the cable.As it gets worse,I can imagine that it will seize,and no steering is possible anymore,Nasty experience.....

Daniel · 17 September 2002, 21:31

Having had steering seize in the past i took the time to make up a 'bodge it' system for the current boat that will bolt onto the engine and allow steering should all else fail - i know - hard work with 130hp, but better than nothing.

However, comments on hydraulic's appreciated, i'll speak to Fairweather Marine on saturday at the boatshow!

Daniel

Garygee · 18 September 2002, 10:04

Hi All

All these comments about cable are for outboards where the cable takes 100% of the load. Does anyone have any idea on life and reliability on power assisted setups like used on stern drives.

I was going to spec hydraulic for my new RIB but was told it was a waste of money for this config, Yanmar 240 plus Bravo 2.

Is hydraulic worth it for a power assisted set up ? or is it just better changing them every few years and carrying a spare cable, if its the cable the goes!!( maybe not from Capt Robs commants).

Regards Gary

John Kennett · 18 September 2002, 10:53

On a power assisted setup the cable is doing very little work compared to a standard cable steering system, which means that you don't need hydraulics and you are much less likely to have problems with wear on the cable.

Make sure you carry a spare belt for the steering pump though!

John

Garygee · 18 September 2002, 13:29

Thanks John

Sounds like cable is fine for me then.

Will carry a spare belt as I never thought as that.

Thanks Gary