Stiff Steering

[2 tall]

2001 Epic S22 V-Drive--The steering is ridiculously tight and stiff and hard to turn under power....I have read several of the posts about steering and I still have something wrong. I just lubricated the 2 pivot points aft of the engine (almost into the ski locker at the back). They were both pretty well lubricated to begin with and I took the bolt off the shaft so I could turn the rudder by hand from inside the boat and I could turn it back and forth easily. So the pivots at the back are not the problem. I then put it back together and turned the steering wheel back and forth, it was not "smooth" but it wasn't bad, it was actually very easy to turn back and forth, but not perfect, not like butter, but maybe a little more play and tightness than I am used to.

So I looked under the dash and there is a "module" I will call it where the steering wheel connects. I am certain there are some gears in there, but it seems to be closed/sealed up.
1. Is this the issue? Or something else?
2. Does it need lubricated somehow? I can't seem to figure out how to get into it.
3. Or do I just need to replace it?
4. If Yes, then what is it called?

Thanks everyone!

[skibeau]

Did you try the steering wheel without the bolt in the rudder (just the cable & gear box)?

[ATXChris]

You just need to replace the steering cable.  If you haven't replaced yours yet then it is well over due.  They are made by teleflex marine and you can get the length and part number form Capt. Rick.

[2 tall]

I bought the boat from someone else, and have only had it out once after it sat all winter... and judging from the other stuff I have replaced, I am almost 100% sure the steering cable is original. I will buy one and replace it.

[2 tall]

Is the Uflex and/or Teleflex SSC62 QC-+ (20ft) the same steering cable as the one sold in the "Buy Parts" (MCN0011879 Cable,Steering,20',Rack&PinionType)?

Everything I am researching says the SSC62 is a "universal replacement". I saw ATXChris that you had one for sale that was 18ft SSC6218 (18 is for 18ft) so did it work on your Epic?

[ATXChris]

I would either get the teleflex part number from Capt Rick or pull the cable out and check the part number on the cable ( usually a few feet from the helm connection ).  Don't forget to tie a string to the end before pulling the cable, it'll make installation of the new one much easier.

By the way, Teleflex Marine was acquired by SeaStar Solutions so you can find more info about their cables in their catalog at http://www.seastarsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Seastar-Solutions-Catalog-2015.pdf


I think the SSC6218 ( original part # SS13718 ? ) was a direct fit for my '99 Epic 21, but I decided to swap out my rotary helm ( big-T ) for "the rack" rack and pinion setup so I had to use a different cable.

[2 tall]

So I opened back up my engine compartment, disconnected the pivot re-lubed the first pivot point, and moved it by hand and it was moving back and forth very well. I still had not checked the rudder. I unbolted the rudder attachment and that cylinder/rudder was dry and not lubed much at all. I greased the heck out of it, put it back together and hoped for the problem to be solved. I got out on the lake today and the steering was like butter. It was super easy to turn both directions and the steering was smooth and turned gracefully back and forth even at power. So the rudder grease was the trick. I don't remember what the grease was, but it was a tube that I had in my grease gun for zirks on tractors, wheels etc...

I am so pleased and happy that is was something easy and not expensive. Proble :)m solved!!

[blindside]

Good to hear!!!

[ATXChris]

Glad you got her fixed