Push-Pull steering cable

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DogWatch

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The steering box on the helm is wobbling about like a jelly and will be changed this winter, or repaired if I can see what is worn inside.

I have also noted that the steering has become heavier than it used to be.

Is it possible to draw the cable for cleaning and lubricating. It looks like a similar system to that used on outboards etc. I have not had a good look as yet and this may be an obvious question.

Or will I be wasting my time, the cable is possibly 33 years old, should I suck it up and change it with the box. Should I stay with cable steering or consider a hydraulic system while I am at it. How much might I expect to pay for a good quality hydraulic system?

26ft cat, twin rudder with tie bar approx 13ft from helm to rudders, probably 20ft with current route.

Thanks in advance.
 
You could try taking out the complete Bowden cable and, providing the outer casing is perfect, try curling it up in a bath of diesel. My engine-control Bowden was resusticated by doing that - but it's only about 7' long and I used old engine oil in a cut-in-half 5-litre can
 
At 33 years I would say it is ready for replacement. The heaviness you mention may simply be due to lack of lubrication, but may also be the inner cable catching in a wear groove on load, where it goes round a bend. If that is the case, removed from the boat you will find it does not appear stiff - until you put it back in service. The end terminals are often pressed on and cannot be removed, making it impossible to draw the cable out for cleaning.

The stiffness may also be in the box.

Hydraulic is good, but more expensive than a good mechanical system. Its disadvantage is that it often gives little or no feedback through the wheel.
 
Totally agree with Old Harry, replace it.

Other snags with hydraulics; they can leak, usually at the worst possible moment, eventually corrode and are much harder to 'diagnose' if in a hard pressed situation where if you're anything like me all the grey cell processing power will be busy elsewhere.
 
Seajet said:
Totally agree with Old Harry, replace it.

Other snags with hydraulics; they can leak, usually at the worst possible moment, eventually corrode and are much harder to 'diagnose' if in a hard pressed situation where if you're anything like me all the grey cell processing power will be busy elsewhere.
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As the cable currently runs under our bed, a leaking hydraulic system would be more than just inconvenient in a bedroom. I'll stick to cable.

If I am changing the whole lot I'll wait until the new year, I fear when I look for prices it may start a run on the bank.

I wont know how long the cable is until I draw it out.. I have the feeling it will come out far far more easily than re-threading the new cable. :rolleyes:
 
DogWatch said:
The steering box on the helm is wobbling about like a jelly and will be changed this winter, or repaired if I can see what is worn inside.

I have also noted that the steering has become heavier than it used to be.


Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I suggest a bit more diagnosis first. Disconnect the wire controls at the rudders and check movement - problems there (bearings? obstruction?) will need fixing independent of the wire connection to the helm.

Wire stiffens with time and this is what you may be facing: it can only get worse at 33 yrs since new. Wire will eventually fray or fracture especially where it passes sharper bends, and the parted fibre will score into the casing. You could feel your way along the casing for this whilst another hand moves the tiller back and forth.

But there is little else to beat a failed steering system when under way - for the peace of mind, replace the cable and sheath. I would.

PWG
 
DogWatch said:
As the cable currently runs under our bed, a leaking hydraulic system would be more than just inconvenient in a bedroom. I'll stick to cable.

If I am changing the whole lot I'll wait until the new year, I fear when I look for prices it may start a run on the bank.

I wont know how long the cable is until I draw it out.. I have the feeling it will come out far far more easily than re-threading the new cable. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Be sure to attach something to mouse the new one in with to the old cable before you pull it out! String or if you are a tool fetishist you could buy some mousing rods.
 
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