Steering Cable

[sweezy722]

I have recently noticed a small amount of play at the end of my steering cable where it attaches to the steering arm. In the picture I am pointing to the area where the gap opens and closes. It is small and around the size of 1/32 inch. Is the something to be concerned about?

 

[1fishbone]

Re: Steering Cable

It's supposed to pivot up and down and turn the motor, it should be free, but not sloppy.

It may be normal 1/32 is a pretty small amount of play!

 

[sweezy722]

Re: Steering Cable

The play has not always been there. It may be 1/16 but definitely no larger. At what point does it become a concern. I am ok if my boat quits or slowly starts leaking. The worst thing I can think of is going wide open and loosing control of steering. I imagine it quickly makes a hard left or hard right at full throttle. I also do not want to spend extra money if it is not needed. Thanks.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Steering Cable

Remove the nut and inspect the hole and the bolt end. There should also be a spring under the nut.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Steering Cable

IT should have a spring and 2 washers and the nut.It's supposed to have a little bit of play.
No spring or washers,no problem.Just don't overtighten.
The real area to watch is the rack and pinion steering.Take it apart and grease it. No grease will cause early failure.
If you let go of the wheel and it turns hard left or hard right the nose cone needs to be set.
If the boat pulls hard left then the cone needs to be turned to the left.J

 

[sweezy722]

Re: Steering Cable

Thanks for the replies. The slack I am talking about is not coming from the nut - washer - steering arm area. It is hard to see in the first picture but there is a joint between the steering cable rod and the very end section of the steering cable rod that has the hole in for the steering arm. When the motor is in use the gap widens a little more than what you can see in the picture. Here are 2 more pictures. I want to make sure I am explaining the right point of slack. Thanks again and is this ok?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Steering Cable

I wouldn't worry about that.It's supposed to swivel and move.There isn't anything you can do other than change the cable.Jerry