Steering cable maintenance

[cmedsailor]

Every year I have the habit of greasing the "chain part" of the steering wheel. I was reading in Nigel Calder's book that steering cables (besides checking etc) need to be lubricated with ...engine oil. Have I got something wrong because that sounds a bit strange? Could WD-40 be a better thing to use?
What sort of maintenance is necessary for the whole system?
Thanks

 

[pvb]

Edson, who know a bit about steering systems, say to use engine oil for the actual cables, although they say to use Teflon grease for the cable conduits. I reckon engine oil could create a horrible mess in the boat, so I use light grease on the cables.

There's a typical Edson inspection/service guide here, if it helps.

 

[tri39]

I also use bike grease sparingly at the pulleys only. And one of my cables is original (32yrs!!). I do have an auxilliary tiller though.

 

[nedmin]

I go to the highest point and apply a few drops of engine oil and let it run down the cable,I also oil the pins and joints. Have had no probs .I also oil the pivots and pins.WD 40 not much good for this job too thin and seems to evaporate.

 

[philip_stevens]

<span style="color:red">Do NOT lubricate the cables with WD40 </span>unless you want to gum up the works!!


Once the solvent has evaporated, it makes a good sticky coating for protecting exposed metal.

WD stands for Water Displacement. 40 is the concoctions made before they put it on the market.

 

[cmedsailor]

Thanks. I think I'll use some light engine oil similar to what I use for the winches pawls.

 

[philip_stevens]

When I lubricated our cables last winter, after replacing the inner wires, I used outboard motor gear lub oil. I suppose I could have used the diesel engine oil instead.

Made the world of difference.