Mechanical Steering Cable Stuck

Repair or modification of Boston Whaler boats, their engines, trailers, and gear
jackjax
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Location: Houston, TX

Mechanical Steering Cable Stuck

Postby jackjax » Sat Jul 02, 2022 2:00 pm

The original steering cable stuck. Plan is to clean by removing the cable from the tube. I disassembled the arm, however it seems there is not enough space to push the cable out.

Q1: is there a way to push the cable out without removing the engine?


1997 Dauntless 17 DC
115 Mercury two-stroke
Jude
1997 BW Dauntless 17 115hp Merc

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Phil T
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Re: Mechanical Steering Cable Stuck

Postby Phil T » Sat Jul 02, 2022 3:31 pm

Here is an article I wrote on maintenance of mechanical cable steering systems:

    My Steering is Stuck
    Why does this happen and how can I fix this?

    The steering cable has two parts, an outer sleeve and an inner cable and rod. The sleeve bolts on to the starboard side of the engine and the rod slides through the tilt tube of the motor. The rod is connected to the motor by the steering drag link arm. The tilt tube needs lubrication. Lack of lubrication and water can cause corrosion. This results in the rod sticking.

    Warning: if your steering is stuck, do NOT try forcing the wheel to turn. There are small teeth in the helm (behind the wheel) that can break. If several teeth break, you will need to replace your helm.

    Verify the steering cable is stuck by removing the steering drag link arm from the rod. With your hands, grasp the motor and move it. If it moves, the steering cable is the source of the problem.

    The easiest method that can free a slightly frozen rod is using the engine tilt motor to try to break the rod free. When the motor moves the rod does rotates slightly. Repeated tilting full up and down can break free a rod.

    steer copy.jpg
    steer copy.jpg (98.12 KiB) Viewed 2475 times


    If still stuck, with the steering drag link arm still disconnected, remove the port side nut from the engine bracket. Spray heavy amounts of penetrant like PB Blaster into the tilt tube. Keep some rags or towels handy. Let this soak for a few hours. Repeated spraying and letting it sit helps reduce the effort to break it free.

    Wrap the flat end of the steering rod with a towel and use a wrench or adjustable and gently rotate up and down while having a helper put light pressure on the wheel.

    If not successful, unbolt the starboard side nut that attaches the cable to the engine. With a block of wood and a hammer, drive the port side end of cable. A combination of force and spraying penetrant will break it free in most cases.

    If the cable will still not budge, the last resort is to use heat. With a propane torch (not MAP or other high temperature fuels) apply heat to the tube. After a few minutes, whack the cable. Repeat the soaking and apply more heat and hitting the cable.

    Unfrozen and Prevention

    Now that your cable is unstuck, you should take the time to make sure it doesn't happen again. If the boat is new to you or has not been serviced recently, removing the steering rod, cleaning the tube and reinstalling with fresh marine grease is recommended.

    If your rod does not have a nut with a grease fitting on the port side,it is highly recommended you install one like the one shown in the photo above. One brand is Steersman_Nut

    Revised 7/08
    FAQ by Phil Tyson
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003

jackjax
Posts: 31
Joined: Sun Dec 06, 2015 6:49 pm
Location: Houston, TX

Re: Mechanical Steering Cable Stuck

Postby jackjax » Sat Jul 02, 2022 4:02 pm

I will attempt just to dislodge as per the FAQ you shared.

My mechanic must have been doing just this every maintenance and it cost $200. Then the steering is stuck again mid year.

I may disconnect the cable from the helm and have someone pull while I hammer the rod out.
Jude
1997 BW Dauntless 17 115hp Merc

jackjax
Posts: 31
Joined: Sun Dec 06, 2015 6:49 pm
Location: Houston, TX

Re: Mechanical Steering Cable Stuck

Postby jackjax » Sat Jul 02, 2022 5:44 pm

I sprayed [something] with PB Blaster and WD40. I will do more work on July 3, 2022.

Q2: what do you recommend to replace the mechanical steering?

The cable is 11-feet.
Jude
1997 BW Dauntless 17 115hp Merc

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Phil T
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Re: Re: Mechanical Steering Cable Stuck

Postby Phil T » Sat Jul 02, 2022 6:25 pm

The reason steering cables freeze up is everyone does not grease them each year.

To replace I would use this:

https://www.wholesalemarine.com/nfb-rack-outboard-steering-system-by-teleflex-81996.html

I would also install this:

https://steersman.com/html/buy.html
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003

jackjax
Posts: 31
Joined: Sun Dec 06, 2015 6:49 pm
Location: Houston, TX

Re: Mechanical Steering Cable Stuck

Postby jackjax » Sat Jul 02, 2022 6:47 pm

Thanks again. I don't know where to begin on how to remove the helm. Please see attached pictures.

received_797593664954986.jpeg
Fig. 1. No caption
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received_756101925430014.jpeg
Fig. 2. No caption
received_756101925430014.jpeg (44.03 KiB) Viewed 2460 times


Q3: Can the bellow and cover and tilt mechanism still be reused in conjunction with the new helm?

See this link:
https://www.wholesalemarine.com/telefle ... lAQAvD_BwE
Jude
1997 BW Dauntless 17 115hp Merc

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Phil T
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Re: 1997 Dauntless 17 DC steering cable stuck

Postby Phil T » Sat Jul 02, 2022 8:52 pm

If you want the tilted helm kit then your link is appropriate replacement.

If the cable is frozen at the engine, to remove it from the helm will require you to unfasten the helm from the dashboard first.

Remove the black round bellows.
Unfasten the bolts that hold the helm in position.

See this drawing as a guide:

Screen Shot 2022-07-02 at 8.48.18 PM.png
Dwg. 1. Helm Install/Removal
Screen Shot 2022-07-02 at 8.48.18 PM.png (140.04 KiB) Viewed 2447 times


To remove the cable see this as a guide. Pull the pins and turn the steering shaft while allowing the helm to move.

Screen Shot 2022-07-02 at 8.48.59 PM.png
Dwg. 2. Steering Cable Removal From Helm
Screen Shot 2022-07-02 at 8.48.59 PM.png (156.46 KiB) Viewed 2447 times
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003

jackjax
Posts: 31
Joined: Sun Dec 06, 2015 6:49 pm
Location: Houston, TX

Re: Mechanical Steering Cable Stuck

Postby jackjax » Sat Jul 02, 2022 11:00 pm

PHIL--thank you.
Jude
1997 BW Dauntless 17 115hp Merc

jackjax
Posts: 31
Joined: Sun Dec 06, 2015 6:49 pm
Location: Houston, TX

Re: Mechanical Steering Cable Stuck

Postby jackjax » Mon Jul 04, 2022 8:30 pm

A 12-foot cable is out of stock.

Baystar customer support replied to me with my hydraulics question.

Boat specifications were given at 12-foot cable measured

BayStar HK4300A-3 plus hoses HO51xx
12 feet + 2 feet = 14 feet

West Marine has in stock. More expensive.

Is it worth it?
Jude
1997 BW Dauntless 17 115hp Merc

jimh
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Re: Mechanical Steering Cable Stuck

Postby jimh » Mon Jul 04, 2022 11:20 pm

jackjax wrote:Baystar customer support replied to me with my hydraulics question

Q4:What was the question?
Q5: What was the answer?

jackjax wrote:West Marine has in stock. More expensive. Is it worth it?

Q6: What was in stock?
Q7: What was the price?

Readers of this thread cannot read your mind. You need to write more clearly.

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Re: Mechanical Steering Cable Stuck

Postby jimh » Tue Jul 05, 2022 8:53 am

If you have abandoned the repair of the stuck mechanical steering cable, and you are now considering buying a new hydraulic steering system, I can offer this advice: hydraulic steering will be a big improvement. The expense will probably at least $1,000.

You seem to be planning on trying to re-use the 1997 tilt mechanism from the mechanical steering. That device is 25-years old. There is no basis to presume it will work with a new hydraulic helm pump. If you really want to have tilt steering, you should just buy a new hydraulic helm pump with tilt steering. I would expect the tilt option will add another $250 to the project.

Let readers know if you are ready to spent $1,250 on the new steering or if you would like to fix the old mechanical cable steering. If you want to change the topic of this tread to getting new hydraulic steering with tilt-wheel, then this thread can be closed and a new thread can be started on the new topic.

jackjax
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Re: Mechanical Steering Cable Stuck

Postby jackjax » Tue Jul 05, 2022 11:43 am

Agree Jim. Change plan now and will just replace. Thanks
Jude
1997 BW Dauntless 17 115hp Merc

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Phil T
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Re: Mechanical Steering Cable Stuck

Postby Phil T » Tue Jul 05, 2022 11:56 am

West Marine Associates are compensated based on sales.

Why go from a couple of hundred dollar item to $1000.

West is $62 more than Wholesale Marine for the same kit.

Hydraulic steering is much more complex and requires maintenance. If you have a fluid leak your steering will stop working. I prefer the KISS principle. Boston Whaler installed cable steering for decades. It is far more reliable and less expensive.

Hamilton Marine, West Marine, Fisheries Supply are all out of stock on the Helm kit with 11 cable'.

I would consider going with 12' cable from Hamilton Marine OR just replace the cable now and replace the helm when it is back in stock.

Dont forget the Steersman nut.
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003

jackjax
Posts: 31
Joined: Sun Dec 06, 2015 6:49 pm
Location: Houston, TX

Re: Mechanical Steering Cable Stuck

Postby jackjax » Tue Jul 05, 2022 5:38 pm

I kept searching and was able to learn that the last 2 digit is the length, so found a 12ft cable TELEFLEX SSX17712 at this site with 1 last in stock.

https://marineengineparts.com/seastar-s ... ng-kit-12/

Thank your very much. Will just replace.
Jude
1997 BW Dauntless 17 115hp Merc