I have read several of the threads here stating problems steering, most seem unresolved and many lack information about the boats/things tried. So, I want to give it a try and do a full info dump to make sure I can get this thing fixed.
About the boat:
77 Cobia Centaur 18'
Rack and pinion single cable steering
88 Force 125hp outboard motor
Problem:
Steering is very difficult both left and right, in or out of water. Tilt makes no difference. What does make a difference is if I dis-join the two bars where the steering cable connects to the motor (where you disconnect the bolt that holds them together so they move independently). With those dis-joined, the motor moves freely and easily. Otherwise, you really have to put some muscle into it.
Possible cause?
When I started to get things ready to go on the water for the year, I noticed a small tear in the rubber at the end of the steering cable where it connects to the bottom bar. When turning the wheel, grease leaked out (fresh grease btw). Well, add a tire repair patch, some rubber cement and tighten it down with some hose clamps and it is no longer leaking. However, steering is still just as difficult.
Is it possible that this tear is at fault for the steering? If so, can I just cut off a few inches from the cable and re-attach (and where could I go to get one of those fittings and get it reattached)? I tried pulling the metal bar all at the end of the steering cable completely out of the bar it slides in, but it gets to the very end and sticks, I'm assuming something is preventing it from coming out as designed but didn't want to pull hard enough to break it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Solution: in my case, the steering cable rod had a very slight bend that I could not straighten. Replacing the cable solved the problem. Also note that I had checked with my local marine shop and they were going to charge me $165 for the 17' Teleflex cable (Specifically, the Teleflex SSC13417 17' Back Mount Single Steering Rack Cable). A quick check on Amazon.com got me the same cable for $105 and free shipping. I like to buy local, but not for 50% more than the Internet.
About the boat:
77 Cobia Centaur 18'
Rack and pinion single cable steering
88 Force 125hp outboard motor
Problem:
Steering is very difficult both left and right, in or out of water. Tilt makes no difference. What does make a difference is if I dis-join the two bars where the steering cable connects to the motor (where you disconnect the bolt that holds them together so they move independently). With those dis-joined, the motor moves freely and easily. Otherwise, you really have to put some muscle into it.
Possible cause?
When I started to get things ready to go on the water for the year, I noticed a small tear in the rubber at the end of the steering cable where it connects to the bottom bar. When turning the wheel, grease leaked out (fresh grease btw). Well, add a tire repair patch, some rubber cement and tighten it down with some hose clamps and it is no longer leaking. However, steering is still just as difficult.
Is it possible that this tear is at fault for the steering? If so, can I just cut off a few inches from the cable and re-attach (and where could I go to get one of those fittings and get it reattached)? I tried pulling the metal bar all at the end of the steering cable completely out of the bar it slides in, but it gets to the very end and sticks, I'm assuming something is preventing it from coming out as designed but didn't want to pull hard enough to break it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Solution: in my case, the steering cable rod had a very slight bend that I could not straighten. Replacing the cable solved the problem. Also note that I had checked with my local marine shop and they were going to charge me $165 for the 17' Teleflex cable (Specifically, the Teleflex SSC13417 17' Back Mount Single Steering Rack Cable). A quick check on Amazon.com got me the same cable for $105 and free shipping. I like to buy local, but not for 50% more than the Internet.