Steering Cables

[zad0030]

Does anyone know how to replace steering cables on a 2003 21 i?

[ghollow]

I had to replace mine last year vand it is not very difficult.

The first thing you need to do is disconnect it from the steering mechanism under the dash and pull it out of the steering hub. It is very greasy so have plenty of rags on hand. Next, tie a string or small rope to the end of the cable you just pulled out. You will need the string to pull the new cable back through the hull to the dash area. Then, pull the cable through the hull into the engine compartment and untie the rope/string. You should have one end of the rope in the engine compartment and the other end should be under the dash. Now disconnect the other end of the steering cable from the rudder and disconnect the ball pivot from the bracket in the back near the rudder. Remove the old cable from the boat.

Take the new cable and fish it under the engine. Tie the end of the rope in the engine compartment to the steering hub end of the cable. Pull the rope from the dash end and have someone else help push the cable up through the hull. It may take several tries to get it to come through. Once it is up under the dash, stick it into the steering hub and tighten down the nut. Spin the steering wheel a few times to make sure it operates freely. Then re-connect the other end of the cable to the rudder and the pivot bracket and you are done.

[zad0030]

Thanks, Im going to take some pictures just so I know exactly what you are talking about.

[zad0030]

Under the Dash

This is a picture under the dash. What do I disconnect here?

[zad0030]

Now here do I unscrew this nut, or the whole thing?

[lee]

Under the dash remove the four bolts circled.

[lee]

In the rear remover the rear most bolt circled and loosen the big nut circled all the way, it will not come off as it is attached to the cable.


Remove the four bolts under the dash and lay rack down. Go to the rear and remove small bolt holding the cable to the tiller arm. Next loosen the big nut. Tie a rope to the hole where you removed the bolt that held the cable to the tiller arm and go to the front grab rack and give a nice slow tug to make sure it comes out smoothly. Tie rope to new cable and pull in reverse motion from above.

[yllw20]

great post...thats how I did mine on 03 20i last year.

[lee]

Do not let Matt see this post as I went way over my one sentence limit.

[spharis]

Originally posted by lee
Do not let Matt see this post as I went way over my one sentence limit.

Maybe true, but only in 2/3 posts.

[chpthril]

Why are these steering cables quick to wear out? Is it Tige's supplier, is it the nature of inboards? My 1st I/O sat out for 3 years before I rescued it, and was 12 years old (I owned it for 5 yrs) when I sold it. Our next was 8 years old when i traded it this March. niether one ever needed anything like that!!!

I thought I saw a post not to lube! Is there any maint. to do to the cables? I'm not looking forward to these kinds of repairs!

[spharis]

My cable is 10 years old and works great. I just greased the "tiller".

[dogbert]

Originally posted by chpthril
Why are these steering cables quick to wear out? Is it Tige's supplier, is it the nature of inboards? My 1st I/O sat out for 3 years before I rescued it, and was 12 years old (I owned it for 5 yrs) when I sold it. Our next was 8 years old when i traded it this March. niether one ever needed anything like that!!!

I thought I saw a post not to lube! Is there any maint. to do to the cables? I'm not looking forward to these kinds of repairs!

The steering on an I/O is totally different and in most cases, you actually have power steering.

The issue on your inboard (and most inboards) is that the cable runs through one of the lowest spots in the bilge where it meets up with the rudder. While the exposed parts are stainless, stainless steel will rust if submerged for a long time. So, if your bilge stays wet a lot or you leave water in there thus causing it to rust. It's worse, if it sits for long periods of time.

I've had my cable for almost 8 years and it's still working. My boat is garaged when I'm not using it and I always pull the plug and drain my bilge on an incline before I put it away.

[chpthril]

Thanks Dog, makes sence, since the I/O's do run down the gunwale, well above any water. I imagine the power steering takes the brunt of the load as well. Great advise on keeping bilge dry.

[zad0030]

Thanks guys for helping me with the steering cables. You saved me alot of $$$. Now I wont be sweating at the end of the day from turning the steering wheel.