This is critical. First, make sure the nut holding it on is tight. Bilge Pumps, Shop Start by disconnecting the steering arm from the cables motor/rudder end and turn the steering wheel. If the problem persists, then move to the helm. Telescopes, Covers and Savers, Boat Trailer Guides & Deals, Paint & Maintenance Rack and pinion systems offer more precise control and less slack. Professionals, Boat Topics and Questions (not engine topics). boats.com is part of the Boats Group Network. A little preventative cleaning and lubrication with the right kind of grease can stop this problem before it starts. If it is on the steering wheel shaft, replace the gear. If not, you might need to replace the cables. Lubricate the pillow blocks supporting the shaft with 30W motor oil; remove the cap bolts and slide the bushings clear to expose the bearing area. Edit. At the bottom of the pedestal, the steering wires will either pass over idler sheaves that direct them straight to the disk on the rudder or run to additional sheaves that are part of the steering configuration. Use an interior scrub pad if you dont have a brush. If somehow the cable nuts from both ends of the steering wire are snug, replace them. Aside from marine use, this white lithium grease is effective in other things like automotive, lawn equipment, and industrial machinery. Each steering system has unique problems and solutions. Did you see anything in the box that could lead to play between the gear and the steering linkage? For more tips from our Mechanical co-author, including how to disinfect your steering wheel with a steam cleaner, read on! Be sure to only use the recommended marine grease by the manufacturer. If the inside of the tube is badly rusted, replace the tube with a stainless steel tilt tube to avoid future problems. Accessories, Pontoon Bimini The Right Fit, Shop By If the cable end comes out of the tilt tube and this fixes the problem, then clean the tilt tube, lubricate the cable end with marine grease, and reassemble the steering. Anchor Box Anchors, Fishing Rod & Reel The ideal approach to achieve this is to keep the car on the ground and put all of its pressure on the suspension and steering mechanism, since lifting the vehicle will cause the elements to lock or weld against each other, reducing any potential for free play. Pumps, Livewell Aerator Pumps For more tips from our Mechanical co-author, including how to disinfect your steering wheel with a steam cleaner, read on! If the cable is routed properly and nothing is impinging it, you will need a new cable. Rags or cloths: To clean up any lubricant or residue that may be present on the cable. Be careful not to add too much, or you can blow out the seals, depending on the type. Know your boat, maintain it properly, and have a plan for emergencies and you can expect many happy days on the water. The motor end of both cable types is the same. Seachoice Four-Spoke Steering Wheel . Whether youre performing regular maintenance or cleaning the wheel more thoroughly, you can make your steering wheel shine! Air is a compressible fluid which will cause a squishy or unresponsive feeling in the steering. Tightening the connection between your cable and the helm, as well as the connection between the inclination tube upon that motor and the cable, is more important than making a directional modification. Looking down at it from the back of the motor, turn it counter clockwise. A complete steering failure can be a true emergency. Use a soft interior brush or toothbrush to clean ground-in dirt in the stitching. Quicksilver Marine Lubricant Grease 5. I may do this next spring as I have to eliminate my steering sloppiness. Then, wipe off the excess cleaner with a damp cloth. Deals, Electronics Shop How to Unfreeze a Boat Steering Cable by Cleaning The Steering Cable And Tilt Tube Step 1. Manual shows, to measure the steering bar on nozzle distance away from boat. As for the constant hard torque on the wheel. To find leaks, you must know your boat. The rack has teeth that fit the gear on the end of the steering wheel shaft. Combos, Fishing Tools & Any special disassembly instructions of the helm gear? Telephone Number: 1-305-633-6852 Login or Sign Up; 0. Use your knowledge to assess why your steering failed and determine if you can fix the problem. The boat has hydraulic assist. Olight Warrior Mini Problems Not A Deal-Breaker? On some older units, the teeth on the central part of the quadrant are likely to be more worn than those at the ends. Its necessary to either replace the cable or calibrate the steering if your steering wheel becomes sloppier than it once was. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. If its a plastic type, take the nut out and if theres a screw behind it, detach that as well. I will try the anti cavitation fin adjustment as suggested. Grease the cable through the newly installed grease fitting with a grease gun, using the marine grease recommended by the steering system manufacturer. Lube the tube with standard water-resistant grease Use a brass brush to clean the cable Grease all sliding or moving parts Reassemble while ensuring nothing is lose or has play Hydraulic Systems Hydraulic boat steering is a way to provide precise, smooth steering on larger boats and high speed vessels with high torque engines. Take the Steering Cable Out Step 2. Tips For Efficiency: Worldly Repository of Knowledge. Covers, Boat Seat Hydraulic steering uses a column of incompressible fluid to move a steering arm instead of cables. 6. Specifically, Im looking at NMEA 2000 networks and how to read more, Dousing a big headsail like an asymmetrical spinnaker takes careful crew coordination, and on the J/32 Betsy, that teamwork is a family affair. A + B + C + 6" = cable length (round up to the next largest size) Example: A = 18" B = 96" C = 24" Total: 138" + 6" = 144" = 12 ft. cable For installations mounted to transom or splashwell. Use a brand new nut to replace the old one of the tilt tube. document.write("