Steering system differences

[silverknight]

Hi All. I have finally gotten tired of wrestling my steering and decided to replace the cable. I am sure it is the cable as I disconnected it and still had difficulty with the wheel. On the old cable, it is stamped SSC13415. I know this is still available for purchase and it will work with my current helm. The helm still spins smoothly, no binds or slop in the steering shaft.

My question: Is there any advantage to the SSC14115 system (I know that I would need to replace both cable and helm) over my existing one?


The boat is 1989 Baja SunSport 196 with 5.7 Merc/Alpha one.

 

[TyeeMan]

The SSC # is probably the part number to the steering cable. Teleflex is likely the manufacturer. Teleflex is a large medical device manufacturer that makes push/pull type catheter shafts among other things. They were/are really good at it so they diversified into making other push/pull type cables like marine throttle/shift cables and steering cable.

You should be able to just purchase a new cable and it should bolt up to your original helm. It's just a basic rack and pinion type deal. Grease the gear teeth really well upon assembly.

As for an advantage or disadvantage? It more like it is what it is, there are no other choices to replace it with, , that system has been around for many years.

I know for boats with outboard motors you can purchase a hydraulic steering system which is super smooth and effortless, but I've never seen it for an I.O.

 

[silverknight]

Thank you for your reply. I was not sure if there was any advantage of buying/installing the SSC141xx series helm/cable over the SSC134xx series.

 

[TyeeMan]

Hmm, not sure. Could the difference in part numbers reflect the steering cable over all length? :noidea:

 

[Leardriver]

Seastar, formally Teleflex, makes a premium series cable that supposedly uses Teflon or fancy cable internals and is an upgrade. I just bought an SSC 15417 cable yesterday for my Sea Ray and am waiting for delivery. Their number is 610 495 7011, the tech support guy is Jim, and he is very helpful.

 

[Chris1956]

There are two basic cable steering systems. They are standard and "no feedback". The no feedback systems are more expensive, but can be the most comfortable. Both styles come in Rack and Pinon, and rotary systems.

If you are buying the steering system for your Mercruiser, and it has power steering, a standard steering system is all you need. Motors without power steering (like most outboards) can benefit from the no feedback steering systems.

Replace the helm as well. The cost is nearly the same as replacing just the cable.