Re: Steering Cable for Mercury 150 Black Max
Most boat manufacturers install the cheapest parts that they can get by with to keep costs down and increase their profits.
You have a single cable system.
Look under the steering wheel to see it there is a roundish gear housing or a rectangular box with the cable coming out one end.
If it is the rectangular box then you have a 'rack' system, the current most common. Hopefully the cable is imprinted on one end with the I.D. model and length, finding that while it is still installed can be a pain.
On the steering whell end, remove the 4 small bolts holding the box to the gear housing, it will fall on your head, be ready.
On the motor end, remove the link bar between the cable end and the motor, also remove the large gland nut holding the cable housing to the thru tube.
Now, the trick is to pull the cable out of the thru tube, some boats you have to pull the motor loose from the boat to get enough room to remove the cable. Some have plenty of room, it depends on the design of your boat.
There should be a number of zip ties along the length of the cable holding throttle cable, shift cable and wiring harness, if there is room, slide the steering cable out toward the front of the boat, cut the zip ties if needed, you can replace them after installing your new cable.
Once the cable is disconnected and laying on the floor you should be able to find the #'s (if it is marked) or you can measure it and order your replacement.
Installation of a replacement is straightforward the reverse of removal.
Upgrading to a dual system is advisable but not required. If you do so you will need to remove the steering wheel assembly and follow the mounting instructions that should come with your new system.