2003 Sundeck 220 Steering cable replacement

[steve_from_atlanta]

This is my first post and have searched the forums looking for the answer on how to replace the steering cable on a 220. I know the cable is seized and have ordered a new one. Couple of questions which may seem basic...but here it goes.

I've unscrewed the cable from the engine side but doesn't seem like i can get it past the water tank. Does this have to come out?

How and where do you remove the cable at the helm? Where do you access the cable at the steering wheel? What has to come off?

Any help/insight would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[GMAN1]

Take the cotter pin out of the end of the steering cable at the actuator (Engine side) to free the cable for troubleshooting purposes.....steering still stiff ? replace cable.

If the cable is stuck in the actuator, many times you have to cut it and replace the cable and actuator as a set. You can try to spray it with PB blaster but the time and effort to do it is not worth it.

Follow the cable to the backside of the steering wheel. There should be 4 nuts holding the cable bracket there. Unscrew those and pull the cable out. (Should post photos of correct one). When installing - make sure outdrive is centered straight. Also - may have to cut tie straps that run along steering cable. Many times they tie strap other wires to the cable for support. Be sure to check before ripping out. Also make sure steering wheel is straight too.

 

[steve_from_atlanta]

Take the cotter pin out of the end of the steering cable at the actuator (Engine side) to free the cable for troubleshooting purposes.....steering still stiff ? replace cable.

If the cable is stuck in the actuator, many times you have to cut it and replace the cable and actuator as a set. You can try to spray it with PB blaster but the time and effort to do it is not worth it.

Follow the cable to the backside of the steering wheel. There should be 4 nuts holding the cable bracket there. Unscrew those and pull the cable out. (Should post photos of correct one). When installing - make sure outdrive is centered straight. Also - may have to cut tie straps that run along steering cable. Many times they tie strap other wires to the cable for support. Be sure to check before ripping out. Also make sure steering wheel is straight too.

Thanks Gman1. I've got everything unhooked at the engine. I just can get the "piston" out of the cylinder with the watertank in the way. The nut is too large to pass it. Looks like I'm going to have to take it out to pull the cable out.

My real question is how to you get to the 4 nuts holding the cable bracket at the steering wheel. How do you access it? Do you take the steering wheel off? I can't seem to figure out what I need to remove or unassemble to get at it????

Thanks for the tips you provided. Any more info on the questions above would really be appreciated.

 

[GMAN1]

Access the side door storage compartment and face the steering wheel from behind. There should be a vinyl panel there. Pop the caps off and unscrew them to gain access to your steering cable. Go to www.searay.com and look up your boat to see the steering cable breakdown. Four bolts that hold the cable bracket. Really do not want to mess with taking apart steering wheel assembly.

 

[steve_from_atlanta]

Thanks again...I'm going to look at that next week. Hadn't thought about coming in from the side. As soon as you mentioned it..made perfect sense.