avon searider 4m steering problem

Dino89 · 10 August 2007, 16:15

hi
my searider steering wheel has rusted to bits ,want advice before getting to work with a hammer!!
undone the nut looks like there is a key way locating the wheel , one problem is there are 2 screws rusted in position tried impact driver but wont budge
hows the best wayy to proceed and where is the best place to get replacement wheel that will fit!

just looked at it again once the nut is removed should the wheel just pull off and the screws are not removed?
attached photo

Limey Linda · 10 August 2007, 16:37

Your should not need to remove the screws. I suggest: soaking in penetrating oil for a few days then buy/rent a 3 prong puller to get it broken free. Put a lot of tension on the puller but not enough to bend the wheel then give the end of the puller a sharp blow with a hammer.
Hope this helps. T
Edit: just looked at the pics. again. Suggest putting the screws back and tight before using puller.

Dino89 · 10 August 2007, 16:49

thanx have started the plus gas! . the screws that you see are all there are ,looks like the others have rusted away will buy a set of pullers from screwfix any ideas on size and replacement wheel i will need
thanx again Dean

just another thought would it be worth cutting enough of the wheel away to get the puller located on the ali cast behind the steering wheel space permitting!

Downhilldai · 10 August 2007, 19:15

It looks from the photo that if you take those screws out, the wheel will come away, leaving a cast hub unit which fixes to the steering helm. You may find it easier to get the puller onto the hub than the wheel.
Good luck with it - these jobs often result in a new helm being purchased too

Loads of different steering wheels available - they all tend to have the standard 3/4" morse taper to connect to the helm unit so are pretty universal. Just choose one you're happy with. Be careful of getting something too big, as you may find it awkward in a bucket seat Searider.

Limey Linda · 10 August 2007, 21:05

Yes, get the puller claws behind the hub casting if you can.

Dino89 · 12 August 2007, 10:56

Thanx for replies getting puller monday had plenty of plusgas going in so hopefully it will come off .the screws holding the wheel are rusted solid ,also looking at the thread that secures the wheel its been crossed and stripped at the first half dozen threads so might yet have to purchase the whole unit as well will feed back once the wheel is removed

IBWET · 12 August 2007, 11:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dino89

Thanx for replies getting puller monday had plenty of plusgas going in so hopefully it will come off but looking at the thread that secures the wheel its been crossed and stripped at the first half dozen threads so might yet have to purchase the whole unit as well will feed back once the wheel is removed

I did this job on a similar boat some time ago and it was a bugger,from memory there are plastic components (in the hub) that will not take anything like the heat you'll need to loosen the woodruf key. I eventually got it off employing the puller already mentioned but had to re thread and fit a smaller nut on the shaft.

Tim M · 12 August 2007, 11:57

Getting steering wheels off is a nightmare. If you can't get it off easily I'd be tempted to use an angle grinder and cut it off, replacing the helm and possible the cable too. If it's quite old and in a state you might find a new system will make it a lot easier to drive. Probably wouldn't cost you more than £100 with the new wheel.

Dino89 · 12 August 2007, 11:58

do you know what thread it is on the shaft probabaly could do with running a die down it
what size did can it be taken down to ?

where is the best place to purchase whole new steering kit for the searider with fibre glass screened front end?

walruz · 12 August 2007, 16:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

Getting steering wheels off is a nightmare. If you can't get it off easily I'd be tempted to use an angle grinder and cut it off, replacing the helm and possible the cable too. If it's quite old and in a state you might find a new system will make it a lot easier to drive. Probably wouldn't cost you more than £100 with the new wheel.

I replaced the teleflex cable on my 5.4 SR and that alone was over £100. My local chandler (Chris on St Marys) is a fantastic bloke as the first one I got was too short and he happily took it back and supplied the longer one needed and only charged the difference for the extra length.

BTW if anyone is looking to sponsor someone, Chris and some other local lads have entered the 4 crew rowing competition from New York to Bishop's Rock lighthouse that is being held next year. We can't have our American friends beating us in that as they did in the original America's Cup can we

.

Ian

Limey Linda · 12 August 2007, 16:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dino89

do you know what thread it is on the shaft probabaly could do with running a die down it
what size did can it be taken down to ?

where is the best place to purchase whole new steering kit for the searider with fibre glass screened front end?

You can rarely fix a crossed thread with a die as the die will follow the crossed thread. You will need a thread file or a triangle needle fle to clean it up first. Throw the old nut away and get a new one. Once you have it cleaned up you can use a die or a new nut to chase the thread back to it's original form. use plenty of oil and take it slow. Maybe a new helm would be the right choice???

Nos4r2 · 12 August 2007, 22:58

The new helm kit for a sub-55hp engine is probably the answer.

It might be time to think of doing a conversion to centre console if you were thinking about it-it'll save you buying a new cable.

Dino89 · 13 August 2007, 19:16

finally got the fooker off it didnt budge with the puller had to split it with hacksaw blade near key way and then use wedge to split it ,
is this a 12mm thread on the shaft or any offers will try new nut as shaft is not to bad a part from the rusty key! and first threads
i dont mind buying a kit if one is available thatwill go straight in place of this want to keep it as it is for now quite like the bucket seats and screen
the taper is 3/4 at the back so is this a standard for steering wheels
the wheel itsefl is 13 inch outside diameter

so need a wheel and nut or a kit if ones available for this boat any ideas on helpful cheeeeep marine stores
thanx again for all the help

Dino89 · 14 August 2007, 21:42

found these kits for upto 53hp

http://www.marinescene.co.uk/categor...nes-up-to-50hp

any opinions on them?

Nos4r2 · 14 August 2007, 21:52

It's genuine teleflex so it should be fine. Price looks pretty good!

Dino89 · 14 August 2007, 22:35

thanx whats the correct way to measure my cable the whole length or from nut to nut on the sheath Dean

Nos4r2 · 14 August 2007, 22:45

If you're lucky it's printed on your cable. I've always taken the old one in when I bought a replacement so I don't know. Might be worth ringing them and asking.

Dino89 · 18 August 2007, 14:49

still trying to get a steering kit , contacted a few shops now and no one gets back to me on how to measure my existing cable they just give a diagram of abc add them up and add 6inch, etc etc. if replacing a cable do you measure nut to nut on sleeve
this is printed in the existing cable on the cable it says made by teleflex SSC 7211 11 FT FE888 which i thought could be read as 11foot but nut to nut 9 foot 10 inches
thanx

OLDSR4 · 18 August 2007, 15:51

Ive recently just put a new teleflex steering system on my sr4 and the measurement of the cable was taken from the union on the end of the sleeve at the helm to the very end of the steering cable when its at mid stroke - have attached a pic.

Dino89 · 19 August 2007, 13:29

thanx for the reply thats made it easier to order . can you tell me a bit about yours ,where did you get yours and what did you get was it a no feed back or just quik fit heavy or light duty
thanx Dean