teleflex with NFB or ultraflex

[simonfraser]

hm just had the quote for replacing the 20 yr old teleflex with a new bezel and cable vs changing the lot to hydraulic, quite a difference in money
the access is poor, so 'just' pulling the cable out and replacing it is going to be simpler and quicker than rebuilding it for sure

main reason for changing it is the slop in the steering (autopilot is def a minor afterthought)
i am 99% sure it is mainly in the bezel and possibly in the interaction between the bezel and the cable

1) if i have a new bezel kit and cable can i get rid of the slop in that part ?
anyone done this and noticed that it is tight after replacing the old parts ?

2) Teleflex NFB 'contains a clutch that provides the driver with improved comfort and control'
any one care to comment on NFB ?

3) ultraflex seems to have a better bezel system to control the cable, is that correct ?
any one with experience of this vs teleflex ?

 

[petem]

Simon, my steering system has a few degrees of looseness CW and CCW before it does anything. I believe the fault is usually wear in the gear unit behind the wheel but you should be able to diagnose this easily. I did once see a 3rd party gear unit that have five cogs instead of three but as my existing unit has lasted 18 years and still works I shall just replace like for like.

I do wonder what you have at present? My KAD44 boat has a VP steering system (STS 330) that I suspect is re-branded a Teleflex unit. You can buy a like for like replacement from VP for £180 or so. Job done!

 

[simonfraser]

Hi Pete, have you replaced your gear unit yet and any less slop ?
Simon

 

[petem]

Hi Pete, have you replaced your gear unit yet and any less slop ?
Simon

Not yet but others on the Targa 34 forums have. It's on 'the list' though.

 

[simonfraser]

And have the others who have just replaced the gear unit noticed an improvement ?
Targa 34 forum Found, secret Q ??

 

[petem]

It was on a Facebook Group. I can't find the post but it was only one or two people and it did indeed fix the issue.

 

[petem]

It was on a Facebook Group. I can't find the post but it was only one or two people and it did indeed fix the issue.

I found the video that explains the issue....

I don't know if the Uflex system would be a like for replacement for what I have.

Pete

 

[simonfraser]

tnx Pete, think i am going for a gear unit replacement in the first instance
Uflex if it goes on the same cable

i assume the process is like this:
disconnect the teleflex cable from the ram
wind it out of the gear unit
replace the gear unit
wind it back in ?

 

[petem]

Simon,

Is Uflex the same as Ultraflex?

Are the Uflex, Teleflex and NFB units the same dimensions?

I'm afraid I have no idea how to fit them as, like everything else, I prefer to pay someone who won't mess it up!

Pete

 

[simonfraser]

Haha, agree with you in this case
access is poor I will get someone else to fit it, not worth the stress
99% sure gonna do the replacement and stay away from hydraulic steering

 

[petem]

Let us know how you get on Simon.

 

[simonfraser]

Ha you reading my mind

ultraflex control unit, 99% of the play gone
smooth control

more turns of the wheel needed to change course
takes a little getting used to, not the easiest to sort leaving the trailer on a cross tide
and due to the extra turns the outdrive is more stable so the boat does not wander off same moment the wheel is let go of

worth doing to an older system I recon

the mechanic has increased the spec to deal with the KAD 44, according to him the original system was not designed to deal with the horse power
not quite sure how that works as the system is hydraulically assisted anyway ?

 

[QBhoy]

Simon. I know we have discussed this before. But I honestly don’t think this is the issue. Just that all planing hulls under like 40ft with a single drive that’s not shaft...will always wander a little left and right. I’d make sure the steering bush is ok on drive, make sure the steering arm linkage is tight and tighten up the cables at each and as you can. I think anyway.

 

[BruceK]

If your steering wheel has a tilt mechanism the UJ gets loose. It's easily tightenned up with a screwdriver but requires the steering wheel to be removed for access.

I've written down the procedure here somewhere before

edit: here Free play in steering.

 

[petem]

Ha you reading my mind

ultraflex control unit, 99% of the play gone
smooth control

more turns of the wheel needed to change course
takes a little getting used to, not the easiest to sort leaving the trailer on a cross tide
and due to the extra turns the outdrive is more stable so the boat does not wander off same moment the wheel is let go of

worth doing to an older system I recon

the mechanic has increased the spec to deal with the KAD 44, according to him the original system was not designed to deal with the horse power
not quite sure how that works as the system is hydraulically assisted anyway ?

Simon, thanks for the update. I'm glad that the new gear has resolved the issues, I thought it would! By and large, returning tired components to their original condition normally restores functionality without the need for complicated upgrades. Hopefully, you'll be good for the next 20 years now!

As you say, bearing in mind the unit it power assisted, I don't understand the mechanics comments.

I would be interested to know what model of gear unit was fitted to the boat originally and what you have replaced it with.

Pete

 

[simonfraser]

original was teleflex, 20 yrs old, model SH5094
new set up is ultraflex 71FC

 

[petem]

Thanks Simon. Looking at the spec the Ultraflex us 3.8 turns lock to lock and the Teleflex was 3.

Anyhow, the new one has the triple gears so should longer than the Teleflex.