steering cable

joe cool

Recruit
Joined
Jul 10, 2010
Messages
3
I have a 1973 glastron 155 with the 1971 hydromatic (or whatever it is called) johnson 65hp outboard. The steering has become incredibly hard to operate. I am not positive of this but I suspect it is the steering cable (like oversize bicycle brake/gear cable) that is near seized up. I would like to replace it but i cannot figure out how to remove it from either end. Can I get some help? Thanks.
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,019
Re: steering cable

Welcome to iboats. I will try to help and it is not too hard to replace.

It must be disconnected from the motor end FIRST and sometimes (about 75%) the motor needs to be unbolted and slid over to the side of the transom for clearance.

The FIRST test is to disconnect the stainless steel arm that connects the cable to the motor and try turning the wheel...... that arm needs to be disconnected anyway to remove the cable. There is a large nut where the cable enters the steering tube and that needs to come off too.

That shaft piece (shiny solid piece) is part of the cable might need to be hit with a brass drift to remove it and they are notorious for getting stuck...... DO NOT mushroom the shaft end.

Once that is disconnected then you need to disconnect it from the helm......

NOTE: It is also not uncommon for steering helms to fail. If it is the helm it will have to be replaced too.

There are basically two types of helms...... Rack and pinion which is normally 4 bolts to remove and easy or there is the rotary type which have a release bolt or button then the cable comes out.

The cable length should be printed on the cable and it is a cable number either followed by a two digit number or the last two digits.

Once you determine which type of cable you need or maybe the whole system they are available here Boat Steering Systems
 

joe cool

Recruit
Joined
Jul 10, 2010
Messages
3
Re: steering cable

Thanks. I got the motor end apart tonight and will try the steering wheel end tomorrow.
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,019
Re: steering cable

Thanks. I got the motor end apart tonight and will try the steering wheel end tomorrow.

Some have a pin to push in....some have a bolt but if it is rotary....... just turn it to the end with the steering wheel and have someone pulling lightly on the cable.
 

SigSaurP229

Commander
Joined
Oct 1, 2008
Messages
2,123
Re: steering cable

Just replace the whole thing with a new no feedback system they are about $180 and well worth it.
 
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