Squeaky Sterring Cable
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Engine Repair
Forum Discription: Engine problems and solutions
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3305
Printed Date: November-23-2024 at 9:55am
Topic: Squeaky Sterring Cable
Posted By: OC Nautique
Subject: Squeaky Sterring Cable
Date Posted: April-04-2006 at 2:53pm
| I have had my boat in storage during the off season and have not been turning the steering wheel to keep the cable lubricated. I am in the process of getting it ready to go out again and after turning the wheel back and forth about 20 times I am still getting a squeaking/rubbing noise coming from somewhere in the boat. I am wondering if this is just a temporary noise that will go away after a while or if it might be time to replace the cable. Any help would be appreciated. |
Replies:
Posted By: JEFF KOSTIS
Date Posted: April-04-2006 at 10:45pm
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OC Nautique first off, welcome to this great site! They are all a bunch of great people with tons of knowledge and fun.
About the cable, how old is it? Where is the squeak coming from?? If its from the rear, it just may be the rudder where its not a concern if it isnt loose. Generally if the hull always has substantial water in it, its never a bad idea to change the cable as they can rust on the inside and break (I can speak for that). They are supposed to be stainless, but not all of it... Dont ask me why they are not ALL stainless. Jeff... ------------- MUSTANG COUNTRY http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1074 - 1974 Mustang 17 http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1093 - 1976 Mustang 17 |
Posted By: OC Nautique
Date Posted: April-04-2006 at 11:13pm
|
Jeff- Thanks for the reply. I dont believe that the cable is that old. I bought my '81 SN last year and I think the previous owner replaced the cable a few years back. The steering wheel still moves freely and responds quickly, but it sounds like it needs some lubrication somewhere... either in the cable or at the rudder. The sound is almost like a vibration against the hull somewhere, but I cannot tell where the sound is comming from. The hull always stays completely dry so I don't think that water would have gotten inside the cable.
If the cable or rudder just needs to be lubricated, what is the best way to do it? I saw something on the net called " http://www.waterskicatalog.com/modperl/overtons/detail/pdetail2.cgi?r=detail_view&item_num=26063&fcat=2C15A - Cable Buddy II Lube System ", but I do not know if it is compatable with my system. Have you ever heard of this? Thanks! |
Posted By: JEFF KOSTIS
Date Posted: April-04-2006 at 11:44pm
|
Im not particularly familiar with this cable lube, but I have found inboard steering cables and helms dont need any maintenance unless they are really old and the grease or graphite dries out. I would like to know if anyone on here has one of those on their inboard.
I would see if the rudder is chattering on the sleeve, causing the sound to be tranferred to the hull. If so, its no big concern as water will cure that. A simple test if youre by yourself is by unhooking the quick coupler from the steering cable to the rudder, then move the rubber by hand and see if it squeaks. I personally (this is just my opinion) wouldnt spend the money or the time for the lubricator, instead save it for a cable for the future. Good luck!! Jeff... ------------- MUSTANG COUNTRY http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1074 - 1974 Mustang 17 http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1093 - 1976 Mustang 17 |
Posted By: woodboy
Date Posted: April-05-2006 at 12:16am
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OC Nautique:
My 79 Nautique also had a hard to turn wheel after sitting for two years. I turned the wheel to left lock wipped the old grease of the exposed cable shaft and lubricated with 75-90 royal purple gear lube. (Place rags under to keep hull clean) I have done this each time I get in & out of the boat 20 or so. It's like butta now  Not sure if gear lube is compatable with system or not. I just used it because it's what I had. Jeff is right the brass will self lube with water. If you do tear into it replace the packing while your at it. One thing leads to another huh ------------- Lake Livin' Rocks |
Posted By: OC Nautique
Date Posted: April-05-2006 at 4:49pm
| Thanks for the help guys, I will be taking the boat out this weekend and see what happens after it has been in the water for a bit. Hopefully the problem will fix itself. |
Posted By: Morto
Date Posted: April-05-2006 at 6:39pm
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Yo OC, my '82 Ski Tique is still in pieces but that sound like a vibration through the hull seems similar to what I get when I move the rudder by hand. Might just be the rudder post packing etc.
Cheers. |