26X steering problem

Status
Not open for further replies.
N

Norm Gelbwaks

My steering wheel locked up and I can only move the Motor and rudders when the control bar is disconnected. Is there a hydraulic reservoir in the pedestal that I have missed or is the steering purely mechanical with a flexible rod in the sleeve? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
T

Timm Miller

Cable

Time to replace the Detmar steering unit. Depending on what year you have you either have the rack and pinnion or the rotary unit. The best place and price for replacements is www.surplusunlimited.com If it is the rack and pinion, then you need SS14110.
 
R

Ralph Kuhn

Rotary

Timm's exactly right. I replaced my rotary unit on a '97 26x last fall. It was about a 2.5 hour job. I'm leaving the cable loose with a wide sweeping arc to keep it sliding free. Since it hangs down close to the mattresses of the aft berth, I've attached a velcro wrap to hang it up only when the boat is moored. Anyone with advice on maintenance of these?
 
N

Norm Gelbwaks

Might it be the cable or the rack unit?

The unit is the rack and pinion unit - Macgregor said it is a Detmar 4-100/200 set. I haven't figured out if the problem is in the cylinder connected to the steering wheel (rack) or in the cable. Taking the cylinder out is my next task and I will have to take off the cover on the side of the console, of course with the nuts and bolts, not just screws. Has anyone done it on a 2000 26X - I am not sure I have to remove the steering wheel linkage. Once again, thank you all for your help!
 
N

Norm Gelbwaks

Progress - removed rack & cable

Detmar (313 831-1155) suggested that I just remove the bottom 2 bolts on the cylinder in the console and turning wheel till the rack came out. It worked. I will update when the cable has been replaced.
 
T

Timm Miller

Teleflex

You really might want to consider Teleflex SS141-10 as the replacement. Finger easy control....enitre unit cost less than Detmar replacement cable www.surplusunlimited.com Teleflex is a much better unit as far as construction and you won't have to tighten the black bezel thing all the time when the helm starts to wobble as with the Detmar.
 
N

Norm Gelbwaks

Thanks Tim, it is finished

I purchased the Teleflex SS141-10 from www.surplusunlimited and finished installing it today. My 26X is a 2000 but the old steering cable was rusted shut. The steering wheel hole needed to be made larger but all in all with much elbow grease, and a supportive wife, it worked. Thank you, Tim
 
T

Timm Miller

Have fun

You now have one less thing to worry about....now when you're ready to replace your control cables....let me know.
 
N

Norm Gelbwaks

How about the surge brake controller

My surge brake controller on the trailer is not operable. I found a source (www.championtrailers.com) in Louisiana for parts. I am not sure when I will get to it. Thanks again
 
Status
Not open for further replies.