Tight Steering Column

[93SkiNautique]

On my 93 SN the steering is SUPER tight, it has play for a couple inches but as soon as you turn the rudder it becomes a challenge. I heard that it could possibly be corrosion on the cables. I'm just hoping that maybe someone can help me out and give me some tips to fix the problem.
Thanks,
Jon

[laddski]

RE: Tight Steering Column

The cable is binding in the housing due to corrosion/age, etc. and it is going to get worse. You have to replace the steering cable/housing. It is a pain to get the new one in but the easiest method is to use the old one as a puller for the new one. A buddy of mine just did this in his 95 and it turns very easily now. Other than getting it into place, the process is fairly easy. I would go to www.skidim.com and look at their steering setups. You have the option of buying just the cable; the cable and housing; or a complete rack kit. You need to figure out the length. You probably don't need the whole kit but it might be worth replacing all of it at this point. Good luck.

[93SkiNautique]

RE: Tight Steering Column

Thanks for the tips. You wouldnt have any idea how long it takes to either fix it myself or take it in do you and what length of cable for a 93 ski nautique closed bow? i plan to go on holidays this coming monday and i was hoping to have the boat...would it be a risk to take it even if its not repaired yet?

[laddski]

RE: Tight Steering Column

I believe my buddy spent 4-6 hours on it and the majority of it was spent trying to fish the new line through. I don't know the length since his was a Sport Nautique. If you call Discount Inboard Marine on the website listed above, they could probably tell you length. I don't think it is dangerous. I think it will just gradually get worse over time. You could also verify that it is the cable by disconnecting it on the back and then making sure you can turn the rudder easily by hand. If you can't, then you have a different issue.

[93SkiNautique]

RE: Tight Steering Column

Awesome, i'm going to try that as soon as i get home and see if i can get'r fixed in time for my vacation. Thanks again.

[93SkiNautique]

RE: Tight Steering Column

One more thing, is there anyway to loosen the steering temporarily?

[laddski]

RE: Tight Steering Column

It might be worth a try to disconnect the two ends and see which side is corroded. My buddy said it was very obvious on his where the corrosion was. I would assume that the corrosion is going to be on the back since that is the area that doesnt' have good ventilation. I know my 93 Sport still looks brand new under the dash. You might be able to squirt WD-40 or pb blaster or something in by the corrosion to free it up some temporarily but that will be hit and miss depending on how far up the corrosion has gone. Good luck.

[93SkiNautique]

I'l give it a shot. How would i go about detaching the cables? Do i go through the opening to my prop shaft because i'm pretty sure i can reach them in there, not possitive though...i'm a new boat owner so this stuff is fresh to me. I appreciate the help.

[Mikeski]

I did one in my 95, it was rack and pinion so it may be different, but the process should be the same.

1. Pull rear seat, motor box, rear panels, rear flooring.

2. Disconnect cable at rear and cut any tie wraps along the cable

3. Tie a rope on the old cable

4. disconnect the cable at the helm

5. pull the old cable out towards the front dragging the rope in so it can pull the new cable in

6. measure it and order a new similar cable from mid-ohio nautiques, collect 15% planet nautique discount

7. reinstall in reverse from removal making sure to center the steering wheel

total time, 2-3 hours if no beer is involved

tip: try to keep water out of the bilge so it doesn't enter into the cable and cause the same problem with the new cable

[93SkiNautique]

Thanks for the step by step its going to make things alot easier now. Unfortunetley i cant buy it from mid-ohio nautiques because i need it for this weekend so i have to go local, otherwise i would. Thanks again for the help.

Jon

[93SkiNautique]

Me, my brother and dad just finished installing our new steering system and it only took about an hour, including clean-up...the only problem being our old steering wheel doesnt fit anymore...all we gotta do is run down to the marine shop and we'll be set. Thanks for the help all.

Jon

[inboardsonly]

Glad to see it all worked out...
Did you get your parts from the Correct Craft dealer in Richmond,
or from a marine store, like, maybe Galleon Marine???

I had a call today from a dealer looking for just what you needed...

Cable, helm, tilt assembly...

Or maybe a coincidence...

[93SkiNautique]

Its awesome to see another local Nautique owner, right on man. Yeah i went to Galleon and he ordered it from Burnaby and i got it that day. I had to pay courier charges but i needed it today cause i'm busy the rest on the week and on monday i go to Osoyoos for a week. You would happen to know where i could get a steering wheel for that thing eh? Its the screw on kind...the one i had before was geared.

Jon

[inboardsonly]

What was the old wheel, a splined shaft style?
If so, you need a Teleflex helm, with the spline shaft. The one you
might have recieved was a unit for a 3/4" taper shaft and has a
woodruff key in it.

You want a helm with a splined shaft on it. (easier to allign the steering wheel, and easy to remove steering wheel. )

You might check with the place you bought it from to see if they can
get you one with a splined shaft.

hth.

[inboardsonly]

I think you want a Teleflex SH91510 Tilt mechanism, with splines...

Might be wrong... but worth a shot... I'm guessing you got the SH91500 mechanism,
which is a taper shaft.