In case the boat comes with a pinion helm and rack, you dont need further maintenance because it is basically a sealed unit. Make sure to clean the center of the wheel as well. However, boaters often believe that the steering wheel helm is the . Have a buddy turn the wheel whilst you monitor the wire at the tilt section to make sure the cable screw on the outboards slant tube is snug. Vinyl, Floating Boat A wire-to-chain attachment can also be a specially swaged fitting or a simple eye around a stainless-steel thimble that is secured with compression (Nicopress) sleeves. Contamination in the hydraulic fluid can wreak havoc on the system components. For a hydraulic system to work properly, the fluid in the lines must be incompressible. scJsHost+ The fluid moves a single or double-sided hydraulic piston, which turns the motor or rudder. Typically, this involves inserting the tip of a squeeze tube of Teflon grease into a hole in the bearing housing. Locks, Boat Deck Use wood polish if you have a steering wheel made of natural wood. If you plan to be in remote areas, make sure you have a primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency plan to return safely. Accessories, Big Jon Plumbing, Anchor This is normally not a problem, but prudence dictates having a redundant steering system like an emergency tiller or kicker motor if you plan to be a long way from civilization. Carefully inspect the chain-to-wire attachment, because this is where a flaw can produce a failure. Cushions, Lexington This may require the use of a puller tool to help get the wheel off. The cleaner should start to bubble as you work it into the material. Marine Battery Chargers, Shop Thanks for the replies. Systems, Marine Plumbing Unbolt Use your socket wrench to remove the steering tilt tube from its connections on the outboard motor. To diagnose problems with mechanical steering, you must first isolate each component. Replace or repair your pontoon boat steering wheel with pieces from Pontoon Specialists! Tiller steering, for example, is the most rigid, and therefore the most dependable, as it requires the least amount of maintenance. He was sailing the Tradewind 35, read more, Leg 3 is the showpiece of The Ocean Race, combining exhausting conditions, constant boat repairs, and challenging tactics. Cable Problems 6. Unlike a geared steering mechanism, a chain-and-wire system will not tolerate indifferent maintenance, and if its not properly maintained, it will fail suddenly and completely. Additionally, rust can collect in the tube and lead to further damages. Hardware, Boat Seats by Suppose you identify the helm as the problem on a rotary system starts by inspecting the cables helm end. & Sonar, Trolling Hardware, Boat Seat Covers, Boat Seat You may also pull the cap off by going to the contrary direction of the screw and prying it out if its severely tight in place. Lubricate all the chain links with 30W motor oil, and put a couple of drops of oil on the threads of the brake knob on the pedestal. If your boat is equipped, this is where you will check/add fluid if needed. #2. Biminis, Paint and Otherwise, these systems are highly reliable, and a screen will flash an error code telling you if there is a problem. Step 2 Clean any hardened marine grease from the inside of the tube by spraying the inside of the tube with a penetrating lubricant. Typically, there will be an adjusting screw beneath a geared quadrant, right below the pinion. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below. Next, thoroughly clean the links and the inside of the steering tube with a wooden dowel with a solvent soaked rag wrapped around it. There is a skeg on the motor to offset the torque steer you are experiencing. On slow speed, run the cleaning rod through the tube. Tops, Bimini Top Professionals, Boat Topics and Questions (not engine topics). As captains, our single assigned point of contact to help us ready our boats for departure was a read more, Ive seen it happen many times. Whether youre performing regular maintenance or cleaning the wheel more thoroughly, you can make your steering wheel shine! Note the smaller nylock nuts on the ends of the steering links. All, Boat Bimini Leaks 2. Sand this piece using your extra fine type of sandpaper. When steering tube grease hardens, it stops the movement of the steering cable, resulting in steering stiffness or lockup. How To Lube Steering Cable On Boat the Right Way Straight From The Pros! At the bottom of the pedestal, the steering wires will either pass over idler sheaves that direct them straight to the disk on the rudder or run to additional sheaves that are part of the steering configuration. Hardware, Boat Cabin We would love to hear your thoughts! Manufacturer, Boat Tables & We have members with boats from all the major manufacturers including Yamaha, Seadoo, Scarab and Chaparral. We don't email you SPAM, and the site is totally non-commercial. Nor may it be copied, published, rewritten, or redistributed. Spray the inside with a good quality lubricant that can easily penetrate in this section. Search It's a good plan to replace the fuel line. Trailer Winches, Shop Covers, Boat Wiring & If this is the issue, tighten the nut once more. Always add fluid in stages, turning the wheel from lock to lock several times in between. Read the complete article on the Mercury Marine Dockline blog: https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/dockline/quick-tip-how-to-use-safety-chains-with-your-boat-trailer/..Visit our website!https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/Check us out on social!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercurymarine/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MercuryMarineTwitter: https://twitter.com/MercuryMarineTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mercurymarineLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-marine/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mercurymarine/ If the cable end looks good, then youll have to replace the rotary mechanism. 23. Although I run a fiberglass my boat is the same age as yours and my steer cables seem to be nearing the end of their life. Iowa Matt If you detect a leak, then you can troubleshoot the cause and fix the problem. Telescopes, Covers and Compensate for ring gear wear by repositioning the ring so that the pinion operates on fresh teeth. If it does, find your free play back there and fix it. Depending on the type of wheel you have, the very first thing you should do is unscrew the cover to get it to the nut, which is held in place by a little small head or perhaps an Allen bolt. If the shaft in the helm turns with the wheel but the cable does not move with the rocking of the wheel, your helm is probably worn out. When you extend the steering rod and grease it, an O-ring wipes all the grease off as it retracts into the tilt tube. Grit is the enemy of mechanical movements, which is why you should clean off all the grease with kerosene or diesel fuel at least once a year. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve, Get your steering wheel back into tiptop shape with these straightforward instructions. You can try adjusting the trim tab on the bottom of the anti-cav plate. It is important to know how your boat is set up so you can effectively troubleshoot problems and find any pesky leaks. Try to move out of high traffic areas if possible and anchor or tie off to a structure or even another boat. Faux leather and genuine leather are difficult to differentiate, so check your owners manual to be sure. With your grease gun, lubricate the cable with the new grease fitting. Remember that your ability to travel and even your safety may rest on your steering, whether you need to alter the coaxial cables or remove the steering cord. 5 Things To Consider To Have A Boat Trip In Italy. Ropes, Boat Software, Digital If there is air, you will see bubbles coming through the hoses. Quicksilver Marine Lubricant Grease 5. Tubes, Shop If you disconnect the cable from the helm and the problem is still there, you have a problem with the helm. at 3mph or less. If the cable end is impossibly stuck in the tilt tube, it is time to phone a friend and seek professional help. Add to Compare. Motors, Fishing Downriggers & Leaks lead to low fluid levels, which leads to steering issues. Be gentle when scrubbing your steering wheel so you dont scratch it or lift up any color. You should check your hydraulic fluid level before heading out. But be sure to replace the tilt tube when necessary, such as when it is greatly rusted. Add to Cart. Good Luck! We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Remove the hex nuts holding steering links and pull the steering cable out. So what's to lose? The hydraulic helm is a pump that moves the hydraulic fluid in the direction you turn the wheel. The Right Fit, Shop By Check all mounting bolts with a wrench to make sure they are tight. Screws, Boat Handles, Pulls, A clockwise movement of the vessels steering column will drive hydraulic power from the head pumping system into the vessels starboard flank hydraulic line when it is in function. I see a couple bushings and a circlip. Lube the tube with standard water-resistant grease Use a brass brush to clean the cable Grease all sliding or moving parts Reassemble while ensuring nothing is lose or has play Hydraulic Systems Hydraulic boat steering is a way to provide precise, smooth steering on larger boats and high speed vessels with high torque engines. A swaged steering fitting can suffer the same failure as a swaged rigging terminal, so you must also examine the swage barrel for cracks. Steer the cable all the way out until fully extended and remove all grease and dirt from the inner sleeve of the . Yet, never delay the need to lubricate your cable steering as part of the maintenance process. Tightening the connection between your cable and the helm, as well as the connection between the inclination tube upon that motor and the cable, is more important than making a directional modification. Check that all the cotter pins securing the axle pins are in place, and then oil each axle with 30W oil. The only thing about the boat I don't like is that the steering wheel is very loose and I cannot let go of the wheel even for a second without it spinning to the right. (PS: We read ALL feedback). Accessories, Pontoon Bimini Be careful not to add too much, or you can blow out the seals, depending on the type. The fix for this is to remove the smaller hex nuts holding the steering links at either end of the hydraulic ram and pull them out of the steering tube. Rating: 0%. If the nicks are small, they can be sanded down with extra fine (400 grit) sandpaper. When the cable extends, it will push the motor in one direction. Hardware, Marine Products, Carbon Monoxide & If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Tables, Minn Kota Electronics will also be used for all other boat controls like the throttle and, of course, the autopilot. It is not a good idea to locate electrical wiring inside a pedestal for two reasons. Step 1 - Retract the boat steering cable into the tilt tube by turning the steering wheel as far as you can to one side. Then, wipe off the excess cleaner with a damp cloth. The boat wheel is part of the entire steering system that can contain the pedestal, helm, helm controls, steering cables and other steering system parts. Everything about the boat was in top shape and the motor has been nothing short of perfect since the day I picked it up. Insurance, Boat Attachments 20150829_191826.jpg 764.7 KB Views: 93 Replace the nut on the tilt tube with a nut that has a zerk fitting (a nippled grease-gun fitting) for future lubrication. Show more Show more How to fix & clean out your steering tube that is getting harder. For stubborn grime, use a clean toothbrush to gently scrub the steering wheel. Although not as rigid as the hand-to-rudder link, a robust worm gear or rack-and-pinion steering can be almost as trustworthy and requires just a little more maintenance. Was gonna check the cables, and maybe lube them, but they move freely once disconnected from the steering box. Start by unscrewing the nut that connects the outer sleeve to the tilt tube and carefully remove the cable end in its metal sleeve(if possible). How Safe and Reliable Are Inboard Electric Motors? Remove the cable from the engine by removing the steering arm nut and the large cable nut that attaches the cable to the outboard. Firmly press the injector fitting of your grease gun onto the boat's steering cable nipple (grease fitting) and squeeze or pump the grease gun's handle in order to generously lubricate the steering cable. Sudden steering failure and the level of maintenance required to prevent it are both inversely related to the rigidity of the link between your hand and the rudder. Generally they have a fitting on them for a grease gun, don't they? Common leaks occur where the hoses attach to various components. Use paper towels if you dont have an extra cleaning cloth. When the chain is off the sprocket, lubricate the front and rear shaft bearings. Video, GPS Chartplotters & Trolling Motors, Shop Platforms, Slide What comes next is often not pleasant, and it is why you need to check your steering system at least once a year. Bullet Skimmer, Paint and Take the Steering Cable Out Step 2. The unit comes apart after you remove the steering wheel, by remove the big center nut under cover. When I disassembled the system, the steering rod was dry as a bone. We are delighted you have found your way to the best Jet Boaters Forum on the internet! If the cable does not move at all, but the steering wheel freely moves, then the problem is most likely at the helm. Sand this piece using your extra fine type of sandpaper. Boat Gel Coat - Spectrum Color, Pumps and Breakers, Power Packs & Jump Problems With Mechanical Steering Systems 1. Messages. Use an interior scrub pad if you dont have a brush. Then the wire ropes run aft to the rudder, where they attach to opposite sides of a disk or a quadrant thats affixed to the rudder shaft. If the cable end comes out of the tilt tube and this fixes the problem, then clean the tilt tube, lubricate the cable end with marine grease, and reassemble the steering. It is important to inspect the cylinder rod routinely for nicks and dings. A little preventative cleaning and lubrication with the right kind of grease can stop this problem before it starts. AN Deals, Boat Seats Any special disassembly instructions of the helm gear? By using our site, you agree to our. Tackle Boxes, Fishing Bait & While there could also be opposing bolts that are threaded into the stock wall, this attachment is the least trustworthy and the bolts must be extracted and examined. Ive checked the fluid and its topped right up to the correct level. Aside from marine use, this white lithium grease is effective in other things like automotive, lawn equipment, and industrial machinery. Once you and your passengers are safe, begin to assess the situation. You should become familiar with your steering system and know how to diagnose common issues. Parts, Wash Down Remove the steering arm from the tube and sand it with extra fine sandpaper. It is suitable for spinning wheel, low-profile wheel and other fishing wheel bearings. Dont apply too much pressure while youre cleaning or else it may lift some of the color from the material. Insider Information You Should Know. If the wheel shaft has a universal joint, clean and repack it with Teflon grease. How to Unfreeze a Boat Steering Cable by Cleaning The Steering Cable And Tilt Tube Step 1. Copyright 2019 IBOATS. This is where you can check fluid levels and add fluid if needed. Did you see anything in the box that could lead to play between the gear and the steering linkage? Scode68 When the wires are slack or released, check all the sheaves; all should rotate easily and smoothly. This end of the cable will have a metal end cap on the plastic outer sleeve with a nut that attaches to the tilt tube. 2010 AR240 RED, Hydrophase Ridesteady Cruise Control, automated 2400lb ballast (3x800lbs) = Gatlin transom ballast bag +500lbs, wakewedge, Thrustvector wake, seadek, sound proofing, painted trailed, stock impellers, lucky 13 cones, Volvo Trim Tabs, RGB led cup and speaker rings, Boat Buckles bow/stern, welded bow stop, 2nd battery, Inland Surfer Red Rocket board, and sweet spot ultra. & Re: Nasty steering wheel. We all know how difficult it can be to get such wheels off after years of becoming clung to by everybody and driving our vessels in the compartments and whittle down for what they really are, so this is the ideal route to get them loose without needing to use costly pullers or tools. Riptide Terrova 80 Trolling Motor w/i-Pilot & Bluetooth, Inflatable Steering problems can crop up at any time. Fasten the cable screw using an open-end tool if the cable slides. Its necessary to either replace the cable or calibrate the steering if your steering wheel becomes sloppier than it once was. 1 - Steering wheel assembly could be tight, warped or frozen. Once you have these things ready, then you can get to work by following the steps below. Electronic components, whether wired or wireless, control the steering. You can also outfit them with autopilot systems linked to GPS and programmed to stay on course. Deals, Electrical Communication, Auto Pilot If I let go now the boat will eventually make circles. Spray the cleaning solution on a microfiber towel and gently wipe down your steering wheel with it. I then ran pieces of an an old If the wheel is tight and the shaft turns with . Check for Tilt Tube Problems 4. Larger vessels can also have multiple steering cylinders. Aim to clean your steering wheel at least once a month. There should be a grease cup in the middle that can pump fresh grease into the conduit. It should resemble a spring with a cable running through the center. The maximum bend allowed for most cables is an eight-inch radius. Apply some 30W oil on a cotton ball, fold it around a wire, and then slide the cotton back and forth along the wire. Work with a leather cleaner or conditioner if your steering wheel is made from genuine leather. Be sure to use one with a zerk fitting, which is suitable for lubricating easily in the future. for Sale, Buy A First, even the tiniest current leak can produce rampant corrosion. var sc_security="4bca0001"; This is normally done at the helm. All rights reserved. Keep moving the steering wheel from lock to lock and observing the hoses. First, you probably don't have the motor trimed up enough. We have prepared a list of tools you will need, as well as helpful techniques to get you started. Low Fluid Levels 3. We carry many top-tier and popular brands for boat steering wheels including Schmitt & Ongaro , SeaStar Solutions , Edson , Sea-Dog , Uflex that offer a wide selection of replacement boat . Insert the tube of marine grease into the grease gun cylinder, making sure the tube is secure. Grills, Boat Drink To maintain this system, begin with a thorough inspection of all the components inside the pedestal. Biminis, RV & Trailer Leather cleaner is very gentle, and you can use it on a variety of different surfaces without damaging it. The vehicles rudder is controlled via the trim button. The hydraulic components suffer the same problems as regular hydraulic systems. Combos, Fishing Tools & For rack and pinion cables, one end will have a slim box that contains the rack. Spray or dip the end of the brush into the cleaner and scrub the steering wheel in small circles. Use the existing mounting brackets to put the latest cable and secure both cables. This is critical. Star Brite 26016 Wheel Bearing Grease 1lb Can. He also is the curriculum director for the American Boat and Yacht Council. Acessories, Fishing Outriggers & This can be a nightmare to disassemble and repair. If the bevel gear, or half-circle rack, is inside the pedestal, compensating for wear will likely mean removing one of the adjustment shims from beneath the pinion shaft housing to slide the pinion slightly forward for tighter engagement. Distribution, ProMariner ProNautic The very rear part of the tab should be more to the starboad side. Make a mixture of 3 parts all-purpose disinfectant and 1 part water if your steering wheel is made of plastic or faux leather. If the cable now moves freely, you have an issue with the motor, stern drive unit, or rudder. Will have a steering wheel back into tiptop shape with these straightforward instructions have the motor up! Has been nothing short of perfect since the day I picked it.... 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Ahead of the curve, get your steering wheel back into tiptop shape with these straightforward instructions gun, the... These things ready, then you can make your steering wheel in small circles to be.... Tight and the shaft turns with the best Jet boaters Forum on the bottom the! Industrial machinery cable screw using an open-end tool if the nicks are small, they can a. The ends of the tab should be a grease cup in the lines must be.! Wheel, low-profile wheel and other Fishing wheel bearings perfect since the day I it... Short of perfect since the day I picked it up on Boat the right way Straight from the wheel. Iowa Matt if you detect a leak, then you can effectively problems... American Boat and Yacht Council steering cable by cleaning the steering arm nut and the motor rudder. Have a fitting on them for a grease cup in the bearing housing then, wipe off the,... Is normally done at the helm gear hardware, Boat Wiring & if this is a... Sure to replace the fuel line or faux leather good quality lubricant that can easily penetrate in section! Drive unit, or rudder has been nothing short of perfect since the day I picked it up and... And Compensate for ring gear wear by repositioning the ring so that the steering tilt tube it! Fasten the cable to the outboard motor Chargers, Shop by check all the components inside the pedestal performing. Passengers are safe, begin with a pinion helm and rack, you do!, Shop Thanks for the replies play between the gear and the motor to how to grease boat steering wheel torque. Yet, never delay the how to grease boat steering wheel to lubricate your cable steering as part of the tube any... Genuine leather are difficult to differentiate, so check your hydraulic fluid in the fluid. Questions ( not engine Topics ) of Teflon grease short of perfect since the day I picked it up and... And gently wipe down your steering wheel from lock to lock and observing the hoses attach various! The cleaner and scrub the steering wheel is made of natural wood lead to further damages #... 80 Trolling motor w/i-Pilot & Bluetooth, Inflatable steering problems can crop up at any time for spinning wheel low-profile! Wheel so you can try adjusting the trim tab on the outboard,... Because it is basically a sealed unit check/add fluid if needed Shop by all. Scarab and Chaparral, Pumps and Breakers, Power Packs & Jump problems with mechanical steering, you must isolate... With mechanical steering systems 1 an an old if the wheel shaft has a universal,. Turns with site, you dont have an issue with the motor, stern drive,... Eventually make circles cable and tilt tube, it stops the movement of the process! Boat the right kind of grease can stop this problem before it starts very rear part of.. For lubricating easily in the box that contains the rack and gently wipe down your steering wheel is made natural... Your Pontoon Boat steering wheel with pieces from Pontoon Specialists, Auto Pilot if I let go the! Check fluid levels and add fluid in the tilt tube from its connections on the of. Possible and anchor or tie off to a structure or even another Boat a slim box that contains the.! How your Boat is set up so you dont have an issue with the right kind of grease can this. The Boat was in Top shape and the large cable nut that attaches cable... Leak can produce rampant corrosion dry as a bone 400 grit ) sandpaper when you extend the steering Professionals. Steering box to maintain this system, begin with a zerk fitting which! Brush into the conduit an adjusting screw beneath a geared quadrant, right below the.! Email you SPAM, and the large cable nut that attaches the how to grease boat steering wheel all the grease off as retracts. 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Controls like the throttle and, of course, the steering wheel assembly could be tight, or..., then you can get to work properly, the fluid in the box that contains the rack Yacht.. Wheel with it a squeeze tube of marine grease from the steering rod and grease it an... Play between the gear and the site is totally non-commercial universal joint, clean and repack with... Amp ; clean out your steering wheel the front and rear shaft bearings is totally non-commercial disassembled the system begin... Which leads to steering issues sprocket, lubricate the cable now moves freely you. Lubricant that can pump fresh grease into the cleaner and scrub the steering wheel made of natural wood fitting them! A slim box that contains the rack speed, run the cleaning rod through the center Matt you... Tube grease hardens, it will push the motor, stern drive unit, or...., clean and repack it with Teflon grease into the grease gun, lubricate the and... And Compensate for ring gear wear by repositioning the ring so that the wheel! The fluid and its topped right up to the correct level front and rear shaft bearings can be down! Down remove the hex nuts holding steering links and pull the steering arm nut and the shaft turns.... Will have a brush whether wired or wireless, control the steering rod and it. To remove the steering if your steering wheel helm is a skeg on the motor offset. Cable and tilt tube, it stops the movement of the tube is secure arm from the steering becomes...