Tight(er) steering

[Liamfm]

Hi All, I replaced my steering cable on my 97 Sport about 2 years ago. At the time, I didn't drop the rudder to grease (no zerk). The steering got a LOT better, or so I thought. Last year I replaced the cable on my buddies 04(?) 206. I can spin his steering wheel with one finger and zero effort. Tracks straight, steering is super smooth. On my 97, it takes some ummph to steer. Not hard, but you couldn't do it with one finger.

I dropped the rudder the other day and greased and reinserted. Made only a small difference. I don't know if/when it had ever been done, so guessing it helped one way or another.

I'm wondering if there is anything else I can/should do. I'd love to have that 1-finger steering if possible. Any ideas?

FYI - I didn't repack the packing nut when I dropped the rudder. Still no leaks/drips.

[James]

You should have one finger steering. Obviously something is binding. Disconnect the steering cable at the tiller. You should then have one finger steering. If not you need to check the cable and steering at the helm to find what is binding. If you have one finger steering with the tiller disconnected then manually move the rudder to see if it is binding. Assuming, when you removed the rudder, you cleaned the rudder port and rudder shaft before greasing would lead me to think the rudder shaft could be bent.

[Liamfm]

James, The shaft was dry and 'clean'. I wiped it down a bit, but that was about it. I didn't clean the rudder port. Is that best done by stuffing a rag up there with some cleaner and turning it around?

I'll disconnect and try again when I have a chance. Certainly a process to take it all apart (engine cowl, rear seat, floor, etc). Maybe I'll get motivated tomorrow though and do it while its on the lift.

[James]

You can use a rag to clean the port however since the rudder shaft was clean one could assume the port is clean as well. Report your finding once you get the cable disconnected from the tiller.

[dski]

Liamfm - Any tips/tricks on replacing the 206 cable? Need to do mine.

[Liamfm]

Liamfm - Any tips/tricks on replacing the 206 cable? Need to do mine.

dski, it was a lot harder than on my Sport. First off - if you have a heater, remove at least one of the heater lines, if not both. You can access from the bow cushion (in front of windshield).

Tie some good nylon string to anything you're pulling. If I recall, you're going to want to remove both heater lines first, and tie string to them. Then disconnect from the rudder and tie string to the bolt hole. Disconnect the steering rack and begin to pull. You'll need to pull "UP" not back. The line makes a 90* turn from the bilge up through the hole with the throttle/shift/heater lines. Feed the new one back using the string you just pulled through, then pull the heater lines back to the engine.

It took me a while... Maybe 4-6 hrs total, with some big "walk away" sessions in there to regain my composure. That said, it turns like a dream now. Too bad mine doesnt!

[dski]

dski, it was a lot harder than on my Sport. First off - if you have a heater, remove at least one of the heater lines, if not both. You can access from the bow cushion (in front of windshield).

Tie some good nylon string to anything you're pulling. If I recall, you're going to want to remove both heater lines first, and tie string to them. Then disconnect from the rudder and tie string to the bolt hole. Disconnect the steering rack and begin to pull. You'll need to pull "UP" not back. The line makes a 90* turn from the bilge up through the hole with the throttle/shift/heater lines. Feed the new one back using the string you just pulled through, then pull the heater lines back to the engine.

It took me a while... Maybe 4-6 hrs total, with some big "walk away" sessions in there to regain my composure. That said, it turns like a dream now. Too bad mine doesnt!

Thank you! Will be tackling at the end of the season. Already practicing my calming breathing exercises.

[HollywoodBall]

Just a thought… I had a new steering cable
Installed in my 97 Air (Sport) Nautique at the beginning of the season. Steered just like what you’re searching for. One finger, buttery smooth.

Then I installed a new Acme 654 prop. The new prop is great and improved everything, holeshot, acceleration, top end speed, and smoothed out a vibration I had at full throttle, BUT it made steering a bit tougher. I assume this is because the new prop is pushing more water past the rudder.

So if you’re running a new/newer prop maybe you’re searching for something that can only be achieved with a new steering cable and an older/original prop? I don’t know…


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[Skidave]

I just did my steering cable on my 206. Tight as ****. 2 issues: dried grease on rudder shaft and tiller arm was just rubbing on the packing nut.

I dropped the rudder, cleaned all old grease everywhere, cleaned tiller arm, block unit and replaced the cable. Greased what needed before reassembly. Also replaced the rope packing. All that with new cable 4 hours and some help from my wife here and there.

Get the correct cable from Nautique Parts and use our discount. Also, no rear seat needs to come out. Just some awkward reaching here and there.

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[Liamfm]

Well, disconnected the rudder arm. No real noticable change, leading me to think it is a cable issue. https://youtube.com/shorts/Lhyq_k8zSPA?feature=share

Removed the cable and steering rack and the wheel spins freely. https://youtube.com/shorts/rKOOL-l-pqY?feature=share

Trouble is, the cable is not yet 3 yr old (2nd season, replaced oct 2018), and under 150 hrs. That can't be right....



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