Steering cable

Nov 5, 2024
1
Capital Yachts Newport 28 Wilmington
Hi there, my steering wheel is rough, I think I may have to replace the steering cable, does anyone have any instructions or links to videos that can help me so that I can do it myself?
 
Sep 25, 2008
7,257
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
Not sure what “rough” means but it’s likely not the cable but rather how it is adjusted or a rubber post problem.
This is one of those - don’t fix it until you first determine what’s broken.
 
May 17, 2004
5,416
Beneteau Oceanis 37 Havre de Grace
Not much can go wrong with the cable. Run a lightly oiled tissue along it carefully to check for broken strands. If there are none and there’s no visible corrosion the cable is probably fine.

You’ll need to narrow down the cause a bit more. You could try a mechanics stethoscope to isolate the source of noise, or you could disconnect the cable and turn both the wheel and rudder independently to see where the roughness is coming from.
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,076
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Welcome to the forum @Newport28
Unless you just want to spend money on your boat, follow the advice provided above.
Inspect and isolate problems. Once clearly defined, then seek actions to correct the problem.

Otherwise, you are just spending boat money that might be needed in the near future. Funds that could be better applied to fun things like new sails or electronics.
 
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Joe

.
Jun 1, 2004
8,114
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
What kind of system is it? Figure that out, then you can do a more knowledgeable search on You Tube. If it's been 10 or 20 years since the system has been inspected or serviced... don't wait. I'm a proponent of replacing parts such a cables and bushings... because they wear out, especially if they are not maintained properly. So figure out what you have.... outboards us the teleflex style cables.... really easy to change. Wheel systems vary in how they work... cables and quadrants, gears and cables... I really don't know that well, except the teleflex which I've changed... making all the difference in the world.

By the way, if you post one or two pictures of you system's under deck gear, and perhaps pop the top on your pedestal to see the brake is the culprit. Okay.. good luck.
 
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Jan 11, 2014
12,173
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
If you have an Edson steering system, the first stop is the Edson website and their support section. There you will find all kinds of helpful information on the steering system and how to install and repair it. Even if you don't have an Edson system, the basics are all the same if it uses a quadrant and cable.

To be more specific, we need a better description of the problem. It could be anything from a worn idler pulley axle to failed bearings in the pedestal to problems with the rudder shaft and bearings or simply something like fishing line or rope wrapped around the rudder shaft. Photos will help too.
 
Jan 7, 2011
5,187
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
Hi there, my steering wheel is rough, I think I may have to replace the steering cable, does anyone have any instructions or links to videos that can help me so that I can do it myself?
Edson lists 2 configurations for the Newport 27/28:



You will have to determine if you have an Edson system (large nut holding the wheel on may give you a clue) and which configuration you have.

Greg