Steering Cables lose?

[kentsmith12]

I've tried to search for a post regarding lose steering cables but the search engine results display a lot of unrelated topics - I figured that someone has encountered this problem before. However after trying to use the search engine I found that no specific topics popped up, just all the unrelated topics, which seems unusual. I typed in lose steering cables and I get a thread about skis. Therefore, how can I successful use the search engine to get what topics are on interest to me?

My reason for searching is that my steering has a good eighth to a quarter wheel of play in it, and I'd like to tighten it up so I won't be working the wheel so much. The steering wheel is tight so I'm assuming that the cables are lose. I have a 2000 PAR. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[NautiqueJeff]

Did you set the search to search for all terms?

[kentsmith12]

I searched and did not find any threads on tightening lose cables. Anyone have any ideas before I call my dealer?

Thanks,

[ag4ever]

Loose - not rigidly fastened or securely attached

Lose - to miss from one's possession or from a customary or supposed place

[kentsmith12]

that would explain it - loose cables...

[CANSAN]

I have the same issue with my 99 SAN... 3" of play on the wheel before the rudder moves... and I am just going to replace the whole cable/rack assembly. I wil order from White Lake as they seem to have the best price and we get a discount through Planet Nautique.

[kentsmith12]

I spoke with a teleflex person today and they told me to see if the rudder moves independent of the steering wheel being moved; if not most likely the problem is at the helm. He said to be sure you should replace the whole assembly. I don't want to have to haul my boat to the dealer (2 hours away) and let them have it for a month to fix. He said if you replace the helm it might fix the problem. If it doesn't just take it to the dealer and they can get a new cable and install when the season is over, e.g. winter... He also said you can tighten a few bolts at the helm and that might fix it. I'll let you know what happens. Seems like they would have a better steering system. I know the boat is 5 years old but I only have 150 hours on it...

[inboardsonly]

Check the rudder to tiller arm connection. Tight?

Check the big nut on the steering cable that goes to an aluminum tube... Tight?

Check the knuckle/universal joing that holds the aluminum tube... Tight?

These are all wear points in the steering. If you have tilt steering, the universal joint in the steering helm can get
loose. You can tighten it up with an allen key. Peel back the rubber boot that covers it and check...

IO