SUPER STIFF Steering Cable - Can it be salvaged or, time for a new one?

Onegazza

Seaman
Joined
Feb 5, 2019
Messages
65
I've got a 2000 registered Bayliner Capri, with a Mercury Force 120hp outboard.

On the configuration on my boat, the rear steps do not allow sufficient space to remove the cable from the tilt tube so, i used my multi-tool to cut a small hole in the GRP, to allow me to fully remove the cable (as you can see in the photo). I will re-fit with a larger collar, to cover the hole.

The cable and tube were REALLY dirty (caked in old grease and salt deposits, now resembling wet mud, with a similar consistency (also similar to cookie mixture)) - they evidently haven't been cleaned in years - probably due to the reason the tube couldn't be removed unless by a) removing the outboard or b) creating a hole to fit the nut on the arm through.

- the outboard swings easily on it's mount - i can even move it with 1 finger.
- Even though the cable is now removed, it is still super tight so, the problem is 100% the cable.

I have cleaned up the arm fully extended and run through 10 or so complete revolutions and added grease -> it seems like there is a lot of this wet and muddy sand mixture inside the actual tube that extends, as a little bit keeps getting pushed out each time.

The steering is a little lighter but, still VERY heavy compared to a boat with a 1 year old cable.

- It is rack and pinion steering - how would i grease the rack and pinion? Is it likely to even be this? When turning the wheel, you can feel and hear the cable pulling
- Is it possible to disassemble the extending arm, to clean out all the crud?
- is it time to just replace the cable? (I have easy access and think i could do this job within an hour) Would i need to buy the rack and pinion as well or, just the cable? Would a rotary be better than rack and pinion?
 

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Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
27,036
The rack would normally unbolt from the pinon gear. Look for four 1/4-bolts, on top of the rack, where you almost cannot see them. That will give some room to grease the rack.

However, if the cable itself is hard to move, it is usually going to fail. The boat didn't sink, right? When they sink, water gets into the steering cable, and that is bad for it.
 

Onegazza

Seaman
Joined
Feb 5, 2019
Messages
65
Boat hasn't sunk but, is in a salt water environment and in Britain, where it rains... A lot!

It's purely that over time it's not been greased, salsalty air and water has got in and it hasn't been cleaned.

I'll measure the existing cable and replace. With it unbolted, I can check the pinion is ok. If so, it's a cheap replacement.
 

Sea Rider

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 20, 2008
Messages
12,345
Install a new steering cable, it's a day/night difference when turning wheel along with greasing what have been suggested..

Happy Boating
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
47,300
if you can hear the cable inside the sheath...... time for a new cable.
 

crazy charlie

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 22, 2003
Messages
5,352
if you have not replaced yet(in many cases the motor must be removed to replace) .....I have had very good luck loosening up steering tubes.When they hardly move I use heat on the piston and housing and continually run it in and out of the tube cleaning the piston off each time.You mentioned you cleaned it 10 times and that is not even close to how many times you need to run the piston in and out of the tube.I have also used carb cleaner ,spraying the piston and running it in and out of the tube cleaning it each time....again 10 times is not enough.When it starts to move a little more freely and less crap is coming out of the tube,repeat this process with oil or lube spray.DONT USE GREASE.I had best results with slick 50 aerosol lube which prob is not available any longer.This will surely make the piston move freely.Last step is to lube with synthetic oil,don't use grease.Important tip is to lube and wipe a few times before and after each use of the boat for about a month.
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
12,944
A new Cable, in fact, a complete Helm isn't that expensive
 
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