Steering System maintenance

bmastror · Post by **bmastror** » Sat Apr 04, 2015 8:01 pm

Just went through a 10 year inspection of my steering system and thought I would share a few highlights. Edson Marine was a great help in supporting this!

Removing the old cable and chain (they are connected):
All access panels on pedestal must be removed (including compass on top)

On top of radial wheel - use an 8mm open ended fixed wrench
Remove 2 cable holders off each cable (2 nuts on each holder at tip of U bolt)

12mm open ended fixed wrench - loosen and remove 2 nuts off ends of 2 threaded eye bolts
Put straight tool tip in eye to prevent rotation

Remove cable and threaded eye bolts from radial wheel

These all get replaced and are included in the chain/wire/cable kit

Tape tracer lines (about 5-6 feet long) to end of cables

Pull chain and wires out through top of pedestal. Have someone down below to help tread up wires.

Secure both ends of tracer lines

Remove split pin and center bolt from 2 sheaves and check needle bearings. If needle bearings are falling out, replace (this was the case with mine). If good, clean and lube with Teflon lube.

Reverse everything to get new cable and chain in place - note cables do cross in pedestal. Make sure they are crossed without interfering.

I have pictures, but they were too large to load - will see if I can get the posted later.