Edson steering cable

[Sonny]

Catalina 30 - 1991Was lubing the steering cable and found one broken wire. I'm debating whether I should replace both cables or just check it periodically for now. Mine has a radial wheel it looks like it splits in half. There is the bolt that goes thru the rudder post but no other bolts hold it together, which is kind of odd. I thought that there should be bolts close to the rim. If it doesn't split in half I'll have to drop the rudder(too many wires and cables over the radial wheel). Anybody replaced their cables?thanks

 

[Allen]

I've Replaced Mine

Sonny,I don't know what kind of sailing you do, but I'd replace that cable asap. That steering is going to go when you need it most...high winds on the nose, weather helm & a crew that wants to get back to the marina.I have an edson steering quadrant on my rudder post that's similar to the one you describe. You don't have to drop the rudder to replace the steering cables. I had to replace my entire rudder, so the rudder, quadrant & cables were all replaced. It was a very time consuming job, especially getting that old quadrant off & pulling the rudder out...but that's another story.Here's what you need to do:1. Loosen tension on the cables: Center the steering wheel & lock in place either with the wheel lock or a line. There should be 2 cables that attach to the quadrant. Those cables attach to 2 loops on the quadrant that are adjustable by tightening/loosening tension screws. Loosen the bolts on the screws for each cable so there is considerable slack in the cables. You'll need a lot of WD-40 & perhaps some heat from a propane torch to get them loose if they're corroded. The tension screws are stainless & the quadrant is aluminum, so it's likely they're going to be difficult to loosen initially but they'll eventually come off.2. Remove cables: From the top of your steering pedistal in the cockpit, remove the compass & you'll see a chain. The chain is about 2' long and the steering cables are attached to each end of the chain. Mark the link that's at the top of the gear. This is the center link in the chain. Turn the wheel and/or lift the loosened chain over the gear until you can get to where the cable connects to the chain. Disconnect the cables from chain & then disconnect them from the tension screws on the quadrant.3. Bring cables to a marine store & have new ones made.4. Re-attach cables to the chain. Remember the center link that we marked?? With the rudder centered, place that center link back on the steering gear in the top position. Reinstall cables reversing the process above. It's a time consuming job, but it's not that tough. Good luck!Allen Schweitzers/v FalstaffC-30 Hull# 632