Steering Cable

[brian196]

I have an RZX2 18 with 250hrs and the steering is very stiff. Takes 2 hands to turn it while surfing. It’s at the dealer now getting a new steering cable. Wondering when everyone else is replacing their steering cable. Dealer told me they last 1-3 years which seem Like a ridiculously short life for a steering cable. I have a friend with an 09 Nautique who has never changed the cable and still steers with one finger.

[freeheel4life]

Rzx2 and 3 hold water in the bilge which causes cables to go a bit quicker. New ones get a T handle at the low point instead of just transom plug.

If it was me I'd retrofit a T handle drain plug. Should get more life put of you next cable as long as you boat isn't moored in a slip.

[chpthril]

On past models, it seems the conventional thinking is to route the new cable over the fuel tank, rather then under.

I cant remember all the model and year details but I recall there being something recently regarding the rudder and also the smart wheel. May be worth looking deeper then the cable.

[brian196]

On past models, it seems the conventional thinking is to route the new cable over the fuel tank, rather then under.

I cant remember all the model and year details but I recall there being something recently regarding the rudder and also the smart wheel. May be worth looking deeper then the cable.

It went to the dealer a couple weeks ago for the smart wheel which had excessive play and grinding. They said a couple screws backed out which they tightened back down and put some thread locker on. Just wondering now if the tightness is coming from the cable or the smart wheel? Pretty frustrating to say the least.

[brian196]

Anyone else have to replace a steering cable so soon?

[david.osborne24]

I have a 2019 RZX3 with 180 hours and my steering gear is being replaced, not the cable. There’s a grinding in the wheel when I turn it and Tige says it’s because of the gear behind the smart wheel.


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[Bamer]

I have a 2019 RZX3 with 180 hours and my steering gear is being replaced, not the cable. There’s a grinding in the wheel when I turn it and Tige says it’s because of the gear behind the smart wheel.


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What did your dealer do about your cracked weld on your tower? After I saw your post, I looked close at my tower and found a hairline crack in 1 weld....so I’ll need something done too.


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[david.osborne24]

Tige immediately reached out over the weekend it happened and got a new tower in motion. Supposed to arrive this week for my dealer to install


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[MikeB313]

It went to the dealer a couple weeks ago for the smart wheel which had excessive play and grinding. They said a couple screws backed out which they tightened back down and put some thread locker on. Just wondering now if the tightness is coming from the cable or the smart wheel? Pretty frustrating to say the least.

My 2020 RZX2 has tight steering too, always has been. I have the T-plug drain so no water stays in the boat. I've tried greasing the rudder and that didn't help. My steering cable isn't kinked. I'm guessing I've got the same issue going on and it's in my smart wheel.

[brian196]

My 2020 RZX2 has tight steering too, always has been. I have the T-plug drain so no water stays in the boat. I've tried greasing the rudder and that didn't help. My steering cable isn't kinked. I'm guessing I've got the same issue going on and it's in my smart wheel.

They just replaced the steering cable. I’m take the boat out next weekend. I’ll let you know if that fixed my issue.

[MikeB313]

Great, thanks!

[Kevin11]

I have a 2017 rzx2. At 90 hours I had to replace my steering cable for the exact same reason. Fixed it immediately.
i also had a crack in the tower weld. Tige replaced the tower under warranty

[Jetdriver]

I understand that installing it over the tank is easier for a replacement. What I don’t understand is how routing over or under the tank makes any difference to the cables longevity. The part of the cable that is on or under the tank is sealed in plastic. It’s the rod end of the cable that goes through the cable guide and connects to the tiller arm that allow water intrusion. They are also fixed to the floor. The best thing you can do is keep your bilge dry. You can also store the boat with the steering turned all the way left (to close the rod into the cable sheathing) and grease the rod end of the cable yearly.

[Bamer]

I have a 2017 rzx2. At 90 hours I had to replace my steering cable for the exact same reason. Fixed it immediately.
i also had a crack in the tower weld. Tige replaced the tower under warranty

How bad was your crack? Any pics?


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[chpthril]

I understand that installing it over the tank is easier for a replacement. What I don’t understand is how routing over or under the tank makes any difference to the cables longevity. The part of the cable that is on or under the tank is sealed in plastic. It’s the rod end of the cable that goes through the cable guide and connects to the tiller arm that allow water intrusion. They are also fixed to the floor. The best thing you can do is keep your bilge dry. You can also store the boat with the steering turned all the way left (to close the rod into the cable sheathing) and grease the rod end of the cable yearly.

Under the tanks is the lowest dip of the convex hull. So theres a slight downhill travel and then dip in the cable under the tank. Water can wick down the cable and settle there. Over the tank creates a more upward angle as the cable makes its way to the helm.