How to Change a Boat Steering Cable
If your boat's steering wheel turns with difficulty--it takes both hands and a lot of straining to turn the wheel on a calm day--the wheel or the outboard motor steering bracket could be causing the problem. The most likely culprit, however, is your steering cable. Damage to the steering cable is progressive. No one splash of water or bit of rain will cause it to seize up, but prolonged exposure to the moisture of the marine environment can lead to rust and corrosion that will prevent free movement of the cable, your motor and your steering wheel.
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Things You'll Need
- Combination wrenches
- Phillips screwdriver
- Hacksaw
- Replacement cable
- Duct tape
Instructions
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1
Disconnect the steering cable from the motor or rudder with the appropriate combination wrench and Phillips screwdriver. Cut the cable under the dash with the hacksaw and remove it from the steering rack (the part of the steering system behind the wheel and under the dash).
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2
Use the appropriate combination wrench to disconnect the cable from the actuator for the motor. Turn the steering wheel and move the motor (or the rudder) with your hands to ensure the wheel and outboard motor (or rudder) move freely.
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3
Overlap the rubber end, plus an additional foot, of the replacement cable and the old cable under the dash and bind the overlap together with duct tape. Go to the stern (back) of the boat, take the old cable in hand where it was disconnected from the motor and pull the new cable into place, using the old cable to pull the new through the bends, turns and pulleys on its way to the motor.
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4
Remove the duct tape from the new cable when it appears at the motor, and connect the new cable to the steering bracket of the outboard motor or rudder. Reconnect the cable at the rack under the dash.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to lubricate the end of the cable that you bolt onto the steering bracket at the motor. This will help cut down on problems with corrosion.
Working with a hacksaw in close quarters, such as under a boat's dashboard, can lead not only to cut fingers but also to eye injuries. Use safety glasses.
