Steering Cable Question

[jmstige]

After replacing the cable - I notice that steering to the left while at speed is still a little stiff...At slow speeds everything is OK (but so was the old cable).

I couldn't get the part number off the old cable until it was removed - but Tige said it was a 18 foot cable and I noticed the old one was a 17'. It seemed to fit ok over the tank when I put it back together and I don't see any adjustments I can make under the helm going to the hole that leads to the gas tank area...

Any ideas on why its still stiff turning left only?

[zad0030]

Its from the pull of the rudder. Because the propwash is heavier to the left side, this is why the steering wheel pulls to the right. Alternatively this also means that its harder to steer left because you are pushing the rudder into the propwash.

[jmstige]

well - I think it is more stiff than it was last season

[zad0030]

well - I think it is more stiff than it was last season

If you only notice it "at speed" then its most likely due to the pull...

Maybe with the old cable, it was stiff enough you didnt notice it.

[Richierich33]

Stiff steering on brand new cable

I'm having the same problem. Just replaced the cable in my 2000 21v and it's incredibly stiff on one side to the point of being unsafe. My wife isn't even strong enough to drive for me. Sitting still it's fine. Is there anyway to adjust it sort of like that trim tab on an outboard? There must be a solution, any help would be greatly appreciated.

[zad0030]

I'm having the same problem. Just replaced the cable in my 2000 21v and it's incredibly stiff on one side to the point of being unsafe. My wife isn't even strong enough to drive for me. Sitting still it's fine. Is there anyway to adjust it sort of like that trim tab on an outboard? There must be a solution, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Does the wheel pull right, making it hard to turn left?

[Richierich33]

It is stiffer turning left than right but does not pull. I understand the prop torque in one direction but this is way stiffer than that.

[zad0030]

It is stiffer turning left than right but does not pull. I understand the prop torque in one direction but this is way stiffer than that.

Hmm.. I was going to suggest grinding one side of the rudder but now I am beginning to wonder if maybe you have a kink or something in the cable.

[Richierich33]

A kink in the cable would present the problem while sitting still so you can rule that out. BTW, you're not really 17 are you?

[zad0030]

A kink in the cable would present the problem while sitting still so you can rule that out. BTW, you're not really 17 are you?

Ooh, good point overlooked that. Well the only other thing that comes to my mind is something is wrong with the current cable, which I hope Is not the case, or the problem lies in the rudder stuffing box. But that doesn't jive with the whole "at speed" problem. The fact that its at speed leads me to believe that its due to the pull.

Im at a loss. Im not sure what else it could be. Maybe someone else can chime in.

Yes I am 17.