How does a teleflex cable work

If the cable for your helm is no longer available, replace the helm, bezel and cable with an appropriate Teleflex steering kit.

If any cable connection part is deteriorated, too stiff or too loose, replace it with the correct type of component.

Teleflex offers most types of cable connection hardware, except link arms which should be obtained from the engine manufacturer. Note that locking fasteners are used on connection components. Do not substitute non-locking fasteners as this may lead to steering failure. With the steering cable disconnected from the link arm, tiller arm or rudder post arm, disconnect the cable from the helm.

Refer to installation instructions for that steering system. If everything does move freely and is in good working order, go to step c. If the wheel does not move, replace the helm and bezel kit. If the helm and bezel are no longer available, replace helm, bezel and cable with an appropriate Teleflex steering kit. If it does not move or is extremely stiff, have proper maintenance or repairs done. The information provided here has been reproduced courtesy of Teleflex. Oops, something went wrong.

Please try again. How do I know which length steering cable I need? What do I need in order to add another steering station to my boat? I just bought a steering kit and I would like to add a friction screw to the system, but none was included with the kit.

What should I do? NOTE-If you have any NFB system Rack or Rotary , a friction adjustment device is not required or recommended I just bought a steering kit and I would like the steering shaft to be at an angle to the dash. The bezel kit included in the steering kit only allows a perpendicular mount.

Which parts do I need? I want to install a Teleflex system, but how do I know which one I should get? Some Morse Command products are still available. A comprehensive steering interchange listing with illustrations of helms and cables for Teleflex, Morse and other brands begins on page 12 of this catalog I need a link arm to connect the steering cable output ram to the tiller of my outboard.

Can I get the link arm from Teleflex? I would like to upgrade the steering in my boat to Tilt Steering. What steps do I need to take? If you do not have Teleflex steering, either: a. Please try again. There are several ways to determine this information by noting: appearance of the cable part number of the cable engine s and controls on which cable is used Take a look at the existing cable.

Can I use a dual function control in a dual station boat? Teleflex has several options, ranging from the relatively simple KE-4a system to the fully-featured i family of controls I want to add a station to my boat. What do I need to do? My control used to work fine, but now one lever is hard to move. What should I do to fix this? Engine s must be OFF when performing these checks: Disconnect the cable at the throttle or transmission attachment point.

Move the throttle or transmission arm through its arc to be certain there is no restriction or binding. If the arm is stiff or binding, clean and lubricate moving parts. If this does not solve the problem, make the appropriate repairs. Generally, the force required to move a throttle or shift arm should be no more than pounds.

With the cable disconnected at the engine end, try to move the control lever. If the control handle is still hard to operate, disconnect the cable from the control. If the lever operates smoothly, the control cable needs replacement. If the lever is still hard to move, lubricate the lever pivot point in the control with penetrating oil and a light grease. If the problem is with a throttle lever, you may have a cable brake installed to limit cable feedback to the handle.

If this is the case, loosen or remove the brake. This unit will stop cable creep without sacrificing a smooth feel. How do I know which control cable I need? How do I know which control cable length I need? This depends on two things: A. Are you doing a first-time control cable installation? Are you replacing an existing cable? Measure the Existing Cable as Follows: Measure the cable from tip to tip in inches, and round up to next even foot.

Order that length cable. What kind of ongoing maintenance do cables need? We suggest the following periodic maintenance be performed at least twice a season: Check overall operation for proper gear engagement, full and idle throttle, and overall feel. Visually inspect control head, cable as well as engine and transmission cable attachment points for proper tightness of fasteners, correct operation of all moving parts, worn or broken items, cable chafing or misalignment, etc.

Do not lubricate core wire moving wire inside the casing. If the cable operates stiffly, replace it. These components must be replaced as units for safety and convenience and, since engine interfacing is standardized on systems newer than your task is simple. If you want to improve performance for faster response or lower steering effort, upgrading to No Feedback, power-assisted mechanical or hydraulic steering can result in a big improvement.

The retrofit becomes a lot more complicated, however, requiring careful consideration of fit, performance and value. Safe-T rotary helm has a relatively quick three turns lock-to-lock, but has a bulky gear housing, so is almost 7" wide.

Mechanical steering systems achieve good handling performance and provide safe operation for smaller powerboats up to 34'. The steering wheel attaches to the helm.

Rotary steering helms have a round gear around which the cable turns as you turn the wheel. There are two types of rotary helms, with different applications, strengths and weaknesses. Reduction gear type: One or more gears mesh with the steering drum to move the helical core of the steering cable.

This original rotary design which include the Big-T and Safe-T helms is still best in terms of strength and efficiency, since there are usually only two gears. These helms have the drawback of requiring a fairly large round assembly behind the dash, since the steering shaft is located outside the cable drum, so they often cannot be installed in smaller, more crowded dashboards.

Planetary gear type: This alternative style uses three or more gears that mesh internally with the cable drum to move the core of the steering cable. They fit outboards up to V-4 size only. You can buy replacement rack helms and cables separately, or save money by ordering a mechanical steering kit from either Uflex or Seastar Solutions.

The rack and pinion helm includes a pinion gear fitted directly on the steering shaft that engages a rack gear in a tubular housing. Rack steering is the most efficient mechanical system for moving the cable, but its drawback is its width. Rack steering requires a long rack housing that cannot fit behind many dashboards.