Need help finding ultraflex/teleflex cable

[piotr]

I recently bought a steeringbar for my Aerotec but the cable is too short. The cable is labeled "Ultraflex M45". That cable is no longer available. I get no response from Ultraflex in Italy.

I've taken photos of both ends of the cable. It looks like a simple construction.

The first picture shows the disassembled unit, the cable is fitted in the rectangular box thing.

Any suggestions ?

[piotr]

Extra photos. The first photo shows how the cable connects to the steering.

[paintman]

Searching the internet produces very little response for Ultraflex or Teleflex M45. Couple of sold items on ebay & that's about it.
Quite a bit under 'Ultraflex rack and pinion' steering with other numbers.
Makes me wonder if the M45 is obsolete & parts are no longer available which appears to be what you've discovered? Also bears out the comment by Big Al C about the difficulty he had obtaining parts in your earlier post asking this same question: http://www.rib.net/forum/f50/steerin...ble-69881.html
In which case you're going to be better buying a complete new system with available replacement parts - or in the event of problems you're going to be unable to use the boat.
Whether you could get one specially made I have no idea but you can bet the beer money it wouldn't be cheap!
Or ring around boatyards & chandlers to see if any have one in their stock. Or try boat jumbles.

[Big Al C]

As last thread pointed out,,, could not find one my self.
Also its a 10' cable you need if you are to come across one.

One possibility is this I've found on ebay,,,,,,

Ultraflex M55 Outboard Steering Cable
eBay item number:
201418797126

But its 11',,,,, better long than to short

[paintman]

Linky: Ultraflex M55 Outboard Steering Cable | eBay
Is that interchangeable with the M45?

[Big Al C]

Not the expert in what will be interchangeable. May well have a different throw, (lock to lock).
The item in the picture looks to have the same screw in thread needed to fit into the plastic block on the steering set up. Which is the same set up I have, but as unable to find anything at the time, have made fit a similar cable, which at 20 quid (New) with postage was willing to have ago at making it fit for purpose. Does the job.

[piotr]

Thanks for the replies. It looks to me the M55 is (nearly) the same cable. As for the length: the current cable is 9ft which is too short and I think even 10ft will be too short. Are you sure the 10ft cable will fit the Aerotec ?

[paintman]

The one in the link is 11 feet long.
Lots on the net about how to work out the length of cable you need e.g: Teleflex How to Measure Mechanical Steering Cables

[Big Al C]

The cable fitted on my 380 aerotec is 10', the only bit I've messed about with is how its attached to the box section which houses the rack and pinion.
You do have some play in the size as the steering wheel can be moved side to side. Realistically you want the wheel more to the right. If using on your own you may want to sit central.

[piotr]

SOLVED. I found an Ultraflex M55 on ebay and I can confirm it fits. No adjustments needed. The M55 is just a stronger/heavier version of the M45.

[paintman]

Excellent
What length did you use?

[piotr]

Originally Posted by paintman

Excellent
What length did you use?

Cable length is 11ft. Haven't tried it on the boat yet as it is in the winterstorate atm.

What I was wondering, how do you connect the steering in such a way that the steeringwheel is centered when going straight forward ? Connect with the steeringwheel all the way to the right/left and outboard ditto ?