Steering Failure

[cliffpaul2]

I lost my steering when I was backing my boat away from the launch ramp on Friday. Something popped in the mechanism that's behind the steering wheel. I think the part is called a spigot, but I'm not sure. From what I found, it looks like a Teleflex Safe-T system. I've attached a photo. The wheel can be turned continously in either direction, and it makes a clicking sound inside the spigot.

I'm sure this has happened to someone else. Is it easy to fix? Do I have to replace it with the same exact part, or can I upgrade to a no feedback system and use the same cables?

I appreciate any advice I can get on this.

[reelapeelin]

Spigot?...what you picture I've always heard/read it referred to as the helm...and the good news is you probably can replace w/the NFS steering...you may have to contact Teleflex and it'll depend on what gave way inside as to whether you can use the existing cable...

[cliffpaul2]

Spigot?...what you picture I've always heard/read it referred to as the helm...and the good news is you probably can replace w/the NFS steering...you may have to contact Teleflex and it'll depend on what gave way inside as to whether you can use the existing cable...

You're right. I looked again and it's a helm. The spigot is the part of it that the cable goes into. Anyway, thanks for your advice guys. I'll take it apart and see what broke.

[Destroyer]

The entire helm unit is available for less than $150

http://www.boatersworld.com/product/MP80819103.htm

Just take out the old and replace.....or upgrade to a no feed back unit.

[phatdaddy]

agree with all of above, i have found when i replace just one, helm or cable, the other will fail shortly. i think you get better life out of the system when they wear together as a unit. i would definately go with the nfb.

[spareparts]

Repace them both at the same time. I've installed both brands and prefer the UFLEX no feed back over the TELEFLEX. The UFLEX is smoother and takes less effort, it also is a little smaller if space behind the console is an issue

[reelapeelin]

Repace them both at the same time.


Agreed...:clap:

[cliffpaul2]

Thanks to the advice I got here, I replaced the helm and cable with a new no feedback system from Teleflex. It was pretty easy to install and I cant wait to test it out!

One lesson I learned from this is to pay close attention to the instructions for measuring the old cable. The black sheath was 15', but you actually have to add 18" to that. I ended up with a 17' cable that fits perfectly.

Thanks again