How hard is it to replace a steering cable?

[BobinIL]

I had the steering cable replaced by a Nautique dealer about 4 years ago with OEM cable. Now it is getting stiff again. This time I think I am going to replace the cable myself I may try the teleflex cable since the OEM one didn't last long either.

[MLars]

Not sure what boat you have (can't see it on Tapatalk). But I just went through this with my 2000 Sport. It's extremely straightforward. Pulling the engine cover and kickpanel gives you access to almost everything. One piece of advice I would give you is to mark the metal sleeve at the back near the rudder. That way when you put everything back together with the new cable it will be perfectly aligned.

[NautiqueJeff]

It is super easy. Take a look at my thread below on steering cable replacement. I show how I did it on my 1998 Ski Nautique.

https://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/f...8-ski-nautique

[BobinIL]

97 sport nautiqe

[charlesml3]

I had the steering cable replaced by a Nautique dealer about 4 years ago with OEM cable. Now it is getting stiff again. This time I think I am going to replace the cable myself I may try the teleflex cable since the OEM one didn't last long either.

OK, have you narrowed the problem to the cable fully? 4 years is an awfully short time for a cable to go bad. Disconnect the cable from the tiller arm on the rudder and then test the steering. I'm betting it's fine which means the rudder needs to be greased.

-Charles

[BobinIL]

I'm betting it's fine which means the rudder needs to be greased.

If that is the case it would be awesome and I would feel really stupid.

[charlesml3]

I'm betting it's fine which means the rudder needs to be greased.

If that is the case it would be awesome and I would feel really stupid.

Don't, man. That's why we have such an incredible forum of knowledgeable and experienced Nautique owners here. We're all here to help you, man. As Jeff said, if it does come down to the cable it isn't that bad on a boat without ballast tanks. It isn't exactly horrible on one that does, but it sure takes a lot more work to get to the point where you can work with the cable.

Anyway, check the rudder and let us know how it goes!

-Charles

[vanhanbr]

I think the cable was changed at some point and you need to update the steering wheel to go with the new style. Make sure you order the right one, I also think there was an issue with the Teleflex not available in the exact size. Not sure, but please double check. I replaced the cable twice in my 97 sport, takes about an hour if you get lucky and it doesn't bind up on you.

[tschwyn]

Just did my 1998 Air Nautique. It's a bear with ballast tanks.