Mechanical steering

steplift20 · #1 01-10-2016, 09:40 AM

As you know I am having a problem with my steering, it's very hard turning, I have on there now a nfb system and it's not very old maybe 5 years so I think I'm going to change it , my question is this, if it was you would you use a nfb system again or go with something else any imput would be greatly appreciated I don't want to use hydronic steering cause of the price and the install so that's out Thanks

THEFERMANATOR · #2 01-10-2016, 12:28 PM

Find out why yours is stiff. The NFB helm is used on LOTS of boats with no problems. Sounds like you have a tilt tube issue to me if your steering is tight. I have the NFB teleflex on my skiff with a 75HP HONDA, and it got stiff and ended up being the tilt tube was rusted internally. Had to pull the engine off the transom to get teh cable out, swapped the tilt tube with a stainless one I had out of my old EVINRUDE, and have great steering now.

steplift20 · #3 01-10-2016, 01:12 PM

I don't think it's the tilt tube , that was replaced too about five years ago

phatdaddy · #4 01-10-2016, 01:52 PM

i think you only have a couple of non-hydraulic choices. the conventional teleflex. the nfb, and the rack system. i have only had the first two and love the nfb. not much more than conventional in price and a good inexpensive answer to hyd.

steplift20 · #5 01-10-2016, 04:26 PM

Phat and your steering is easy? Mine is very very hard You need two hands to turn the wheel

inaforty · #6 01-10-2016, 04:57 PM

I'm thinking Ferm is on the right track with his post.
I replaced our NFB on our old V.
All it took was three season to freeze up the steering at the tilt tube.

BTW the NFB that I install in 2009 is still in good working order. It does get sticky and needs to be lubed and freed up from time to time.

Hopefully that it's just the tilt tube rust that causing the binding in the steering.