Steering Cable

[21V_Swe]

I got tired of wornout steeringcables and replaced mine with a hydraulic one instead.. Hopefully there will be no further mishaps, just to add oil.

[chpthril]

We are currently testing the reasons that so many brands of boats are having steering cable problems . In our testing we have found that it appears to not to be water intrussion but that the flow of water across the rudder is gennerating electricity passing through the cable and seizing it to the housing . We are know adding ground cables to the housing and rudder arm to test the affect and will let you know the results as we get them. If you have a volt meter take the ground lead and hook it to a ground under your dash , next while the boat is in the water hook the positive lead to the steering cable housing , our boats were showing .06 volts to start when the boat was under way the voltage would increase up to 1.0 volts , anything above .2 volts is enough to eat the cable up. The type of water you are in will effect the ammout of voltage. If at all possible please post your readings for our data .

Where are you grounding to, the engine and/or Grd buss? thanks

[spharis]

Mine was tight, but after two trips out, it has loosened up again.....nice....10years old, and still nice.

[chpthril]

Mine was tight, but after two trips out, it has loosened up again.....nice....10years old, and still nice.

I'm just amazed to hear about cables being replaced on 1 or 2 yr old boats

[spharis]

After my first time out I was considering replacement....it was STIFF. I posted a thread about the proper length, but after yesterday, it would be pointless to replace it. I am guessing the stiffness was from over greasing this winter when I was servicing it.

[jleger98]

yeah, too much grease can be a problem. Creates too much pressure inside the cable and makes it stiff. Did the exact same thing on my Supra. it all worked itself out after a few trips to the lake though.

[Surfdad]

Mine is definately not overgreased and has been degrading for the better part of a year.

My shop guy ordered a Teleflex 18 footer and is telling me it's not the right cable. I can't get a call through to the folks listed above, just leaving a voicemail...so I just sent them an email today looking for assistance on locating the correct cable, probably not enough time for them to respond. Anyone have a different source for the correct cable?

[jleger98]

You mean SkiDim?
http://www.skidim.com

(Sorry Lee)

[Domsz06]

well just took mine out last night and it's getting stiff again. That will be my second one in 2 years. I'm very interested in this. I don't want to have to buy one as they are Steep! IMO Is this covered under the extended warranty? I feel something should be done, this is not right. I'll try and get you some readings when I go out, if I can understand what your saying.

[Surfdad]

Yes, Discount Inboard Marine. The URL provided was to a Teleflex cable. I just haven't been able to get a call through to anyone there. Any other recommended sources with knowldegable personnel?

[spharis]

skihut
texas tige
fortes inboard connection

those three have active members in these forums.

[jleger98]

Yes, Discount Inboard Marine. The URL provided was to a Teleflex cable. I just haven't been able to get a call through to anyone there. Any other recommended sources with knowldegable personnel?

Thats surprising. The lady doesn't answer? Usually she answers and you just ask for Vince. You might have to wait a few mins, cause he's a popular guy, but I've never had any problem getting through.

Is this the number you are using? (803) 345-0996

They also have a place to email a question, and they will answer within 24 hrs.

[22veguy]

Has anyone looked at bend radii as a source of problems?
I know on my new 22Ve the steering cable is bent WAY too tight coming out of the steering rack. Measures about a 3" radius. Min per Teleflex is 8".
It feels fine now, but I would not be surprised if it shortens the cable life significantly.

By the way, great board. Learning lots of stuff about my new boat!

[jleger98]

stupid question, but are they teleflex cables that come stock on Tigés?

I find it hard to believe that Tigé would overlook something like that.

[mtnsmith]

They are now. As I understand it the Morse cables used to be the standard cable and then Teleflex bought Morse or something. The Morse controls have always been superior in my book, and most people running in saltwater. I guess Teleflex is basically the only steering cable out there really for smaller boats so that is what is available. Like I said, this is how I understand it from the other threads I have read and digging through marine salvage yards for parts for my old sailboats. I know some of the older inboards with Morse cables are original and flawless still...too bad.