Boat Steering problems...NEED HELP!

Hi all,

Normally I would be posting a video, but I need some advice here. Recently my steering broke on my boat, it is a rack and pinion type system. The cap, where the cables go in at the helm, cracked in half and fell out. I put the cap together and slid it back into the rack?/box at he helm. My steering will turn left but not right. I think this cap keep pressure on the cables. anyways, my question is does anyone know if I can order just this cap part or do I have to order a whole new steering system?

-Flopping Crappie

A few years ago my boat had a similar issue...The rack had move away from the pinion and damaged the rack....Replaced the cable which took using a cherry picker to remove the 150 VMAX from the transom as the cable could not bend sharp enough install it...Anyway I would suspect you need a new cable with the rack being part of it...Research boating/marine supply houses....They will require you to measure the cable length....Hopefully you will not have to remove the outboard to install it as I did..Good luck...My cable was a Teleflex and cost a bit over $200 ...You should see a brand name stamped onto the cable.....Another alternative is to change to a hydraulic steering system....Under normal conditions your pinion will be centered in the distance of the rack to enable you to turn both directions equally....If not centered you may be able to turn only one direction as you described...

Check center as suggested.


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Order a hydraulic steering system and never look back! Best decision I've made with my rig!!

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I don't think I have ever heard of anyone regretting a hydraulic system. Initial cost is higher but so much better system. I'm with bandchaser.

My present boat has the hydraulic system and now I would not have anything else.

As said your out of time rack to pinion. The cover does in fact hold it all together. You might be able to buy the cover if you could get name and any numbers off box. You should be able to disconnect cable from housing and remove from consol. As a mechanic my first question has to be why did it break? You undoubtedly have another problem that needs addressed. Only thing I can think of would be that cover got loose for some reason letting the steering mechanism put excess pressure on cover. My recommendation would be buy a new steering box complete and replace not repair. That is if money is the issue. I understand not all of us can run out and spend the kind of dollars a lot of folks recommend. If boat is very old I would consider replacing cable as well. If money is not a issue and over 50-60 hp I would definitely recommend hydraulic.

Update- So I was not able to order the piece I needed unfortunately. I ordered a new double rack and pinion system (same as the current one on the boat). I realize a hydraulic system would probably be nicer in the long run, but don't have the funds for that. The parts should be here next week, so I guess i'll just have to use the trolling motor to get out the crappie spot for now. Thanks to all have helped with advice. much appreciated.

Good luck and installation is not complicated. Instructions for timing should come with the parts. I may be wrong though. The last time I installed a cable the instructions were written in English only and all the parts were made in America.

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Originally Posted by Cane Pole

Good luck and installation is not complicated. Instructions for timing should come with the parts. I may be wrong though. The last time I installed a cable the instructions were written in English only and all the parts were made in America.

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Dang Cane Pole,
You are showing your age....no such luxuries any more.

Well the parts came in yesterday...but the cable was 2 feet short. I don't know what happened, must have had a few too many adult beverages before measuring...oops. The new part should be here on Wednesday and I am planning on making a video of the entire process. I did manage to pull out the old steering cables, but (as Snagged Again already said) I had to loosen the transom mount/motor from the transom which means I will need to put new marine seal when I tighten the bolts back up. Did not have to remove the motor entirely though which was nice.

Good luck bro, I enjoy your vids im The Crappie Hurt Locker!

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Originally Posted by Josh_Allraw

Good luck bro, I enjoy your vids im The Crappie Hurt Locker!

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Oh ok, nice to meet you. Thanks for watching!