Steering Cable replacement

W.U.S.S. wrote: This is actually my second cable in 4 years. It was very difficult to steer, especially at slow speeds. Then when it set all winter, it wouldn't move at all

If your having that much trouble did you change the seal at the end of the support tube? Not easy to find,I called them and got the part number. After 40 some years and a new cable I didn't want to take a chance. It's Teleflex part number SA 37868P. Got mine here

How many did you take out?

The rudder packing on the 01 Ski was pretty bad but I was able to replace what I took out and it was just fine.

Jeff N wrote: Thanks. So as far as you guys understand, there are no "routine" maintenance aspects to the steering cable on these boats (i.e. if it seems to be working properly, then leave it alone)??

You are correct, Sir.

What is wrong with the shaft?    Is it worn where the packing is?    If so, some guys have moved the stuffing box to a clean place on shaft, doesn't have to move much.

Fairly Mechanical,

I have an 89 2001 and am trying to learn more about the mechanics of these boats.   What symtoms did your boat have that caused you to conclude that the steering cable needed to be replaced?

Thanks,
Jeff N

Rudder or Shaft?

i just did this, a week or so ago, mind you, it was on a v-drive. should be very similar to your direct drive.

-remove rear seat
-mark where steering cable is positioned in clamp bracket so everything will be the same going back in.
-unbolt steering cable from rudder arm
-unbolt clamp block that is 12 inches in front of rudder
-cut all zip ties around holding steering cable (mostly in ski locker)
-remove kick panel under driver seat
-i cut rudder end of steering cable off to remove the metal shaft that was connected to the rudder arm so it would pull through easier.
-unbolt steering cable "box" from steering wheel gear (4 bolts)
-pull cable from helm towards rear of boat, sometimes you may also need to push the trailing part cable towards the front of the boat.
-once i got the bitter end of the cut cable into the ski locker, i connected a wire to make sure i could pull the new one back through if needed. (didn't end up needing to do that. i remoced the kick panel instead
-i routed the new cable down through the floor fore/behind of the removed kick panel, through the ski locker and on TOP of the gas tank hold down brackets for easier replacement next time. (does not apply to direct drive)
-replace clamp bracket on marked position, re-bolt rudder arm.
-i needed to re-center steering wheel prior to the replacement, so i did and then installed the steering cable "box" at the helm.
-i installed an automatic bilge pump to keep the water out of the new steering cable.

not a bad job, it's easier on some boats than others. i already had everything removed doing some other work, once you have that it's literally a 30 minute job. would probably take me a couple hours from start to finish.

Lot of posts & pictures on the site about both of these.   Look at where the ends go, unhook & replace.

I need help.

I have a 93 SN and need to replace my steering cable. I am fairly mechanical and have the rear floor and gas tank out of the boat.

I really do not know where to go from here.

I have been told to tie a rope to the end of the cable and pull, but I have not even gotten to the part where I disassemble the cable. I am not sure what stays or what goes.

I also need to replace the packing in my drive shaft.

I called a local dealer, and they cant get to it until the middle of June. Not an option.