Teleflex steering problem

[Comstock]

Coming back in from from fishing off Charleston I noticed steering was a little tight.

Once inside Coos bay, (thank-you to the great ocean gods Posideon and or Neptune) i was making a turn around the underwater jetty on the right when the steering wheel started kinking and had slop in it. I shut down the motor and found the sterring wheel would control the motor but had alot of dead turn before it would engage . Limped to the launch .

I already ordered a new teleflex QC helm and cable. is there anyway tell if it is the cable or the helm. Would be nice to not have to change all-out.

cheers,

D.C.

[baitsauce]

How old? :shrug: The reason I ask is I'm wonding how much more I can expect from mine.

[Klamanite]

I have a '99 Alumaweld Intruder and I just replaced both of mine. No failures but it was getting sloppy and hard to turn. The guys at Stevens said if one is bad the other is too or very close.

[micropeterous]

I have a '99 Alumaweld Intruder and I just replaced both of mine. No failures but it was getting sloppy and hard to turn. The guys at Stevens said if one is bad the other is too or very close.


I've replaced a bunch of steering cables on bass boats I've owned. The systems have had the rack type steering but I'm sure the cables are the same design. The racks have never been a problem. The cables just seem to freeze up for no good reason. I've cut old ones open and looked at them and have never found anything really significant so I pretty much have figured out that it doesn't take much to foul them. People will write about moisture getting into the cables but I've never seen that. There is a teflon type lining inside the cables and my guess is that it starts breaking down and causes the cable to sieze.

[Klamanite]

I've replaced a bunch of steering cables on bass boats I've owned. The systems have had the rack type steering but I'm sure the cables are the same design. The racks have never been a problem. The cables just seem to freeze up for no good reason. I've cut old ones open and looked at them and have never found anything really significant so I pretty much have figured out that it doesn't take much to foul them. People will write about moisture getting into the cables but I've never seen that. There is a teflon type lining inside the cables and my guess is that it starts breaking down and causes the cable to sieze.

The shaft inside the rack was worn on both sides of the flat from too much strain trying to turn the very stiff cable. It wasn't useless, but I wasn't comfortable with that amount of slop in my Jet steering. When I need to it turn, it needs to be NOW.

[Jsteel]

Changed several cables over time until I finally decided to go with hydraulic sterring (Baystar). Been one of the best boat decisions I've ever made. Easier steering with no issue from saltwater exposure. I think it is the saltwater that does it to the cable systems.

[tallswedeone]

When I replace my system I found the complete kit price to be not much different than just the steering cable. Since you are already there I would replace the entire system.

[Comstock]

Yes, and thank-you 2 all for the input. I have owned this boat for about 6 years so it could be original.

This boat has been well fished/salted it is VIP 18 ft c.c. works very well for the big blue. The guy i bought it from fished it in the Gulf. I repowered it last year so now it is time for replacing the steering.

I know you can only lube the sealed cable on either end so i don't know how far in the grease actually makes it throughout the length.

Thanks again

D.C.

[Slow Drag-on]

Changed several cables over time until I finally decided to go with hydraulic sterring (Baystar). Been one of the best boat decisions I've ever made. Easier steering with no issue from saltwater exposure. I think it is the saltwater that does it to the cable systems.

If I may throw in my :twocents:

Go hydraulic, you will never look back. It is so much easier to steer, a finger or two will do, and more smooth than cable could ever be. No steering feedback, or having the motor flopping back and forth and spinning the helm, is another couple benefits.

[Tinman]

If I may throw in my :twocents:

Go hydraulic, you will never look back. It is so much easier to steer, a finger or two will do, and more smooth than cable could ever be. No steering feedback, or having the motor flopping back and forth and spinning the helm, is another couple benefits.


How much does hydraulic steering cost?

[lucky2]

Depends on boat length and horsepower. A typical Seastar hydraulic system can cost around $1000.00 for parts. Just make sure you measure length accurately for the hoses and get the right steering cylinder for your outboard. You can get the baystar system for a little less $$

[Comstock]

I changed out with a teleflex QC cable and helm. (bass pro shops $173.00.) was easy install. Thanks again to all the input.. tight lines...

[bigtrout]

I could hardly move mine it allmost locked up . I used a product for lubing firearms called Breakfree. Got it to move now after every time out when I put the boat away . I lube my steerring rod with breakfree .it have been three years and it allway turns smooth and free.