2006 240 Sundeck Steering Cable Replacement

[Humper]

I'm about to change out my steering cable. I have the correct part number (Seastar SSC13417), and I know the correct length required (17 feet).
Now before I order the parts, I did notice some discussion in threads on this forum, that 240SD owners were having issues with having enough clearance between the water tank and the steering drive connection. (not sure of the correct terminology here).

So, has anybody done this change, and would you offer any tips or suggestions? I'm all ready for the cable fishing exercise....
Thanks in advance!!

 

[boater2018]

I did this on my 210 Sundeck. I did have some issues regarding clearance between the cable and the water tank, but I got it done. I used a piece of 1/2" (#4) rebar about 18" long and a 3# hammer to tap the old power steering cable out of the brackets it's in. Before the steering cable was completely removed from the brackets, it hit the freshwater tank bracket. I had to use a flat bar to push the cable away from the freshwater tank while tapping the end of the rebar at the same time. A second person would have helped, but I didn't have one available when I changed it. It probably took me 3 hours or so to change it from what I remember. Once you get it out from the bracket, it's not bad to pull it out. I would recommend taping the new cable to the old one and pulling the new one in place while removing the old one, once the old one is out of the brackets and ready to pull through the boat cavity. Good luck!

 

[Humper]

Boater2018....many thanks for the info!!

 

[Leo SML]

Water tank is a nightmare. Remove tank bracket screws and lift bracket. Then pivot tank to be 45 degrees to original position. May help to put wooden blocks under tank to help pivot. Turn wheel to fully retract metal rod at cable end.
Nightmare #2 is pulling the old cable out. I cut all the zip ties that were reasonably accessable. Pulled the cable almost all the way out but there was one last zip tie located in the wall near the throttle that was hanging it up. Tried without luck to find some panel, etc that could remove to reach it. Even removed the speaker to see if it gave access. No luck. Finally taped a small sharp knife to the end of a 3 ft pole and poked it in from the storage compartment in front of the helm where the cable comes out.

 

[Traillblazer]

I replaced my gimbal and steering pin at the same time as the cable... I thought the drive would be the hardest part, and I was wrong. As said, the zip ties are the hardest part. I took a long screwdriver, called it a bunch of names and got into the cable to break it. Installation was much better. For the next person doing this... tie a string to the old one to pull the new one. I thought I wouldn't need to do that and I ended up having to get the fish tape out and pull a string through. My steering wheel was off because I based my installation off of the old worn out gimbal. I just removed the wheel and recentered once I knew were 12 o'clock needed to be.