Steering Cables

[rkersh409]

I have a 1995 21' Kingfisher with a 175hp Evinrude. For the past few years I have noticed it getting harder to steer. Not knowing I put hub grease on the cables. Yesterday I noticed it very hard to turn. So I took both cables off and noticed one not moving. Looked at the helm and saw that the cable had pulled out (quick connect end). So I reinserted it and put the pin back in. Then cleaned all the grease off the cables. Now its turning better but still a little stiff. One of the cables have rusted down to the protective outer sleeve and needs replaced. I called dealer and he said I need to replace the whole thing with a $550 kit. My question is will be okay to just replace the cables or do I need to replace the dual helm also?

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Steering Cables

I've recently replaced the steering cable in my boat and in hindsight, wished I would have replaced the helm too. Since I didn't replace the helm, my steering wheel is "loose" and has a little play in it.

It would have been easier and cheaper for me to purchase the helm and cable as a set..... but I thought I was saving a little money by just replacing the cable.

If you're going to replace the cable, you might as well do it right by replacing both at the same time.

Just my $.02

 

[rkersh409]

Re: Steering Cables

I was looking up above at the marine store and did not see a Safe-T QC with dual helm and cables. Do you have to order two of the singles and connect them somehow?

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Steering Cables

I can only tell you from my experience that I had the option to purchase them together as a set and/or individually. I'd check a few sites and see what you can come up with. I bought mine at a Marine store in Rowlett Tx.

 

[Pintail58]

Re: Steering Cables

Most of the time , either of the cables go bad due to corrosion. Most marine service shops can lube your steering for a nominal fee lol. You will save a few $ by buying the kit if you wind up changing everything, but i would change the cables. The two individual calbes attach to the helm and connect at the motor at the steering arm.