Edson steering cable replacement

May 15, 2014
21
Catalina 309 #46 Amber Waves Clearwater, FL
Replacing cables on the 309 due to one came off radial drive wheel and became frayed. After receiving new cables and tensioning kit, it was easy attaching cables to steering chain in pedestal. However, getting the tensioning eyebolts/ cable threaded into the radial drive wheel seems an impossible task. I spent almost eight hours on it today to no avail. Is there a trick to this? I have to feed the eyebolt/cable via the top of the wheel which is very tight and I have to feel my way because I can't see the top of the wheel. Can I loosen the wheel and slide it down the rudder shaft a bit so I can gain better access? I'm stumped.