Steering cable length for 2001 21V

[rmoraski]

My steering cable has given up the ghost. I only got it half out before time to leave, so I wasn't able to measure the cable. I want to order one sooner rather than later, so...

I have the Teleflex rack steering. Do I want the 17' or 18' cable?

Also, I don't see how the solid part that attaches to the rudder is going to come up through the small hole under the steering station... Do I just need to have faith, or is there something I'm missing?

Thanks in advance,
Rich

[lee]

I would go with a 18 foot cable and lay it on top of the gas tank not under it.

On the old cable just cut in two parts and pull it out.

[rmoraski]

I have no issue with cutting the old cable, other than then I won't have a line in place to help pull the new one through; however, I have the same concern regarding getting the new one back in. I don't see how the solid part at the end is going to go through that hole and fit between the floor and the hull. I guess I'll just have to try it and see.

Thanks for the length!

Rich

[Steve Walsh]

Howdy . . . having experienced this "fun" steering cable replacement on my 2001 21V, I've have a few tips that I would like to share . . . after you have disconnected the cable slide from the rudder (one bolt), tie a thin rope to the hole on the end of the cable long enough to go from the back all the way to the front of your boat . . . you'll nee a short cresent wrench (about 5" long -- I cut mine) to undo the large nut on the cable shaft . . . you'll just love ripping your knuckles on this procedure . . . you will also need to drain the gas tank and remove the attachments holding the tank . . . I found that I did not need to remove the vent pipe, it moved enought to allow the cable to pass under the tank, you will need to remove the filler hose . . . raise the tank an inch or two with a few boards and you can tie the front of the tank with a rope up to your tower to hold it up a few inches and move back toward the engine as far as you can . . . under the dash the small box around the cable needs to be removed (two screws), that will give you the ability to remove and also push the cable through the hole in the floor . . . disconnect the cable at the rack and pinion connection (four bolts). . . once this is done, you can pull the cable out from the dash side and the rope should follow . . . attach the rope to the new cable and reverse the process . . . here's a tip -- duck tape the slide to the large nut so when you pull the rope back through, the slide does not expand and it also keeps the junk out of threads . . . make sure when tightening the large nut that you DO NOT strip the treads . . . do it by hand then use the wrench and rip up your knuckles again . . . I am now storing my steering in the full-left position . . . this keeps the slide all the way in protecting it from the elements . . . good luck . . . Steve