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If the problem persists, then move to the helm.
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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.
COMPLETELY DISMANTLE AUTO PILOT MAJOR MAYHEM 2 PROFESSIONAL
If the cable end is impossibly stuck in the tilt tube, it is time to phone a friend and seek professional help. 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). You may need special equipment like a torch or a push rod to get the cable end out of the tilt tube. This can be a nightmare to disassemble and repair. If the boat has sat and the grease is allowed to harden or corrosion allowed to build up, the cable end will not move freely through the tube. Your tilt tube should be cleaned and lubricated with white marine grease once a year for fresh water and twice a year in saltwater. If the steering problem is still present, then inspect the tilt tube. If you are on the water, it is time to call for help. If adding grease doesn’t fix the issue, it is time for the boat to come out of the water for inspection and repair. Be careful not to add too much, or you can blow out the seals, depending on the type. They should all be inspected and greased at least annually to prevent issues.įirst, find the grease fitting and add a little grease to see if this will fix it. Each of these usually requires grease to function properly. If disconnecting the steering arm fixes the issue, then your engine, stern drive unit, or rudder are having trouble moving freely. If the cable does not move at all, but the steering wheel freely moves, then the problem is most likely at the helm. If the cable now moves freely, you have an issue with the motor, stern drive unit, or rudder. Start by disconnecting the steering arm from the cable’s motor/rudder end and turn the steering wheel. To diagnose problems with mechanical steering, you must first isolate each component. When in doubt, seek professional assistance. If well maintained, your mechanical steering system can last for the life of the boat.Ĭommon problems are easily diagnosed and can usually be fixed yourself if you have average mechanical skills. Problems With Mechanical Steering Systems The tilt tube fixes the cable’s end in place and allows for adjustment to fine-tune the steering system. The tilt tube is a metal tube through which the inner metal cable sleeve is routed. There is also a metal inner sleeve covering this end of the cable with a hole to attach the cable to the steering arm on the motor. 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. The motor end of both cable types is the same. When the wheel is turned, the rack moves, moving the cable. The rack has teeth that fit the gear on the end of the steering wheel shaft. Rack & Pinion Cable Systems:įor rack and pinion cables, one end will have a slim box that contains the rack. Rack and pinion systems offer more precise control and less slack.īoth systems need to be maintained routinely and have similar points of failure.Ĭables for rotary systems have one end that is flexible and textured so that the teeth of the rotary gear connected to the steering wheel will grab it to move the cable back and forth. Rotary systems have a smaller machine and will fit more easily in tighter spaces. Rotary models have an internal gear that moves the cable directly, while rack and pinion systems use gears to move a “rack” back and forth moving the cable. The difference between the rotary and the rack and pinion systems lies in how they cause the cable to extend and retract. The cable moves inside an outer flexible sleeve that protects the cable and the boat from damage. When it retracts, it pulls the motor in the opposite direction. When the cable extends, it will push the motor in one direction. They use a cable or cables that extend or retract when you turn the wheel. Mechanical systems include the rotary and rack and pinion steering systems found in smaller boats, especially outboard-powered vessels.