Broken Steering Cable

[hhcribbs]

Thanks AGAIN in advance of all the great help. Over the Labor Day weekend we had a great blow going (20 gusting to 30). During some of the spirited tacking we lost all steering from the pedestal. I have recently had to fix this setup due to the cables coming off the pulleys so that was probably a telltale sign.

I quickly threw out the anchor and went below deck to repair...not this time, cable was broken up between the thimble and the nico press fitting. I needed to paint the cockpit sole anyway so I uninstalled the Yacht Specialities pedestal and removed the cable and chain. Unfortunately the chain is the "40ss" type and finding a replacement has become a problem. So my questions are a few:
1. Does anyone know a rigging shop that could provide help with this...the 40ss chain is in great condition. I just need the wire and connectors to the chain to be replaced.
2. Is it possible to replace the sprocket on the pedestal to accept the new (and readily available) 50ss chain replacement kits available from Edson?
3. Is there any other way to get 7/16" wire and try a home repair that will not leave me steering with an emergency tiller?
4. Finally, if worst comes to worse...how would I determine the best replacement steering system?

Thanks again and have a great week!

Howard

 

[kloudie1]

You are correct .. the chain is fine.. You need the stainless cable and the two swedge fittings. You can pull the cotter pin on that last link and remove the end of the swedge fitting. A good rigging shop can find the fittings and wire rope and swedge them up for you. It looks like the fitting was bent by going up on the sprocket..and that caused it to break .. so check to be sure your rudder stop in in place and the wires are adjusted to center the chain on the sprocket. I wouldn't try a home repair on that critical part.. Good Luck
Ya might try talking to these guys.. I'll bet they can help:
http://www.mauriprosailing.com/Edson/Edson-chain-wire-fittings.htm

 

[Ed Schenck]

Claude gives great advice, really looks like the cable was running over the sprocket. The end link is a snap on, should just pry off. The other links require a chain pin tool like we use on the bicycle chain. If you had a short piece of 40ss you could add it to prevent this from happening again. My '79 has an Edson, I am surprised that the '80 went to Yacht Specialties.

 

[Steve Dion]

Howard: You should be able to get the chain from Motion Industries. I do not know where you are located, but they have offices all over the country.

https://www.motionindustries.com/motion3/jsp/mii/LocationsMI.jsp

I would also check with Edson, to see if they have a replacement. There were many interchangable parts between the two mfg.

 

[Steve Dion]

Howard:

You should also contact the salvage yards, I am sure you can find some of this stuff from one of them.

 

[SamLust]

The end of your chain is a master link. I can see the two cotter pins that hold the side plate on. Pull, do not pry, the cotter pins, slip off the broken swedge eye, slip on the new one with the new wire swedged on, center the chain on the wheel and quadrant or arm at the rudder, adjust out play, go sailing. No rocket science here.