Teleflex steering problems.

[mikenwendy]

Has anyone had problems with their steering? Is it normal for the steering to stiffen up in the off season? Mine got so stiff that I had to use both hands and almost stand up to muscle the wheel around. I tried cleaning and lubing the cable end, tilt tube, etc.... Nothing worked. I finally just ordered a new rack & cable assembly.

Any tips on how to maintain in the off season? This is on a 95 SN with a tilt helm.

[NautiqueJeff]

That's typical for a boat that's been used for a few years. You're looking at replacing the cable. There's really no good way to lubricate it.

They're $170 at White Lake, minus our 10% discount. Here's the LINK.

You probably don't need the rack.

After replacement, you'll be able to steer it with one finger.

[SGY]

Are you sure it's not the rudder assembly? Might be worth your while to check that as well.

[darrel409]

I think 95's have more than there fair share of steering probs. Factory didnt install a grease fitting on rudder box that year. I added this rudder lube system to my 95. I installed the zirk fitting on the stern under swim platform so no climbing under the rear seat or lifting motorcover, pulling access panel..... in order to grease the rudder. Turns great now!

[mikenwendy]

I wish they had added a lube system to the rudder and cable. I unhooked my cable from the rudder and the steering was still the same as before, STIFF!. I turned the rudder by hand and it moves just fine. I unhooked the rack and cable from the steering column and the wheel turned fine. So I was left with the rack and cable as the culprit.

I found some rack and cable assemblies online with the cheapest being $79.51 plus $23 shipping. But they didn't have it in stock so I found one at go2marine.com for $123 delivered. Hopefully it arrives before my camping trip next week to Lake Berryessa.

Thanks for your input everyone.

[darrel409]

Correct Craft boats from factory have steering cables in 1/2 ft lengths. If you got the full ft. length you may lose some of your turning radius and have a more difficult install. If Jeff is correct $170 is a great price for the correct cable.