How do I know what steering cable to get?

[Old No 7]

I have a 1988 Sunbird 17' with an 1989 88HP johnson motor. I've pretty much determined the steering cable is bad. It is not a hydraulic system. I guess rac & pinion? <br /><br />How do i know what cable to get for it? <br />Do all boats use Teleflex systems? Is mine?<br />I've looked for a number on it at both ends but did not see one. (The cable is still installed so i can not see the middle). I have the motor off for the winter, and would like to replace it before I put it back on.<br /><br />How do i remove it from the helm? There are different posts for different types of systems, but as i have no idea which is which...<br /><br />lastly, do you remove/install them from the stern or the helm side?<br /><br />Sorry for all the questions, i did look through quite a few posts, but as I have no idea what I have, i just got more confused.<br /><br />If it matters, nothing so far on this boat or motor was ever replaced, so it would not surprise me if this is an original cable. It sat alot with out being used...<br /><br />Thanks once again for all your help.<br /><br />Happy Holidays!

 

[Admin5]

Re: How do I know what steering cable to get?

iboats.com (the site you are on) can help steer you in the right direction. Call our toll free customer service team and they will help at 1-800-914-1123. Happy holidays!

 

[Bondo]

Re: How do I know what steering cable to get?

Considering that it's the Off Season,.......<br /><br />Pull the Whole Damn Thing Out...... With the pricing stucture now adays,... <br />It's Only a couple of dollars more to buy a Complete Helm,+ Cable,.. Rather than Just a cable.......<br /><br />To remove it;<br />You've Already disconnected the Motor End,......<br />So,.. On to the Helm....<br /><br />Pull Whatever is in the Center of the Steering wheel Off, Horn Button, Shiney Chrome Cap,.. Whatever's there.... <br />So you can see the Big Nut that holds it All together,...<br /> <br />It probably needs a 3/4" or maybe a 7/8" socket to remove the Nut,... <br />Loosen it to where the shaft is Just below the Top of the Nut,....<br /><br />Brace the Wheel with your Knees, using a Force that's Pulling on the Wheel,.. Away from the Dash....<br />Now,.. SMACK the Nut with a BFH,+ the Wheel will Pop Off against the Nut,..<br /> <br />Remove the Nut,+ Wheel.........<br /><br />Now,.. Remove the trim ring,+ you Should be able to see How it's fastened to the dash,.... <br />Remove all that,+ the Helm Should drop down Into the Dash.........<br />Then all you have to do is Fish the motor end of the cable Out with the Helm/cable you've got in your hands.........<br /><br />Installation is the Reverse of the Removal...........<br /><br />As far as Brands,........ TeleFlex has Bought Up All the Competition,..... They're the Only Game in Town,.. Now......<br /><br />I've Never run accross a cable that Didn't have it's Length,+ Usually a Part # stamped on the Outside Casing,.... <br />Within a Few Feet of 1 end or the other,........<br />

lastly, do you remove/install them from the stern or the helm side?

Most of the Work,.. Most Often Happens,.. Behind the Dash.......... <br /><br /><br />(edit)<br />WhaOO,......... Ya snuck in above me while I was Pecking Away, #5,................<br />Anyways,.......... You sell'em the Parts,+ I'll tell'em How to Install'em..........

 

[Old No 7]

Re: How do I know what steering cable to get?

your right #5 they are very helpful <br /><br />Thanks both of you for your help. I will look over the weekend for the # on the cable. (I will pull it then too). By the time I get home these days it's pretty dark out.<br /><br />As for the helm, do I need to match the one I have? or get one that matches the cable.<br /><br />Near as I can figure, (With the help of the folks at iboats), I have a single cable no feedback system.<br /><br />As it is an old boat, I don't want to sink too much $ into it, but getting it functional would be nice. <br /><br />I know i know, it's a money pit, but I can try!!!<br /><br />Thanks Again!

 

[Bondo]

Re: How do I know what steering cable to get?

Pull your Helm,......<br /><br />It's going to be either a Roundish Box(Rotary),... Or,.. A Long Skinny Box(Rack & Pinion)....<br /><br />Replace it with a Like Model........<br /><br />It mostly has to do with Clearances behind the dash........

 

[marcengillb]

Re: How do I know what steering cable to get?

Take my advise,spend the extra 50 bucks and get NO FEEDBACK stering, its much safer and much more comfortable,you can turn the wheel lose any time you want to,try that without no feedback you may end up in the water!!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: How do I know what steering cable to get?

Hey Marcengillb. <br /><br />Do you have one of these No Feedback systems on your boat. If so, or if you have used one please reply. I have a question about steering friction.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Mark

 

[gatorred]

Re: How do I know what steering cable to get?

mine was a stearing box at wheel and cable to motor take old one off stearing box and cable then measure it try get almost the same thing it's the best way unless you get used one,this might help mine the gear's were worn to much, nothing to do but replace it,with cable