Steering Cable Replacement: Make Your Boat Drive Like New

Our steering cable started to become very stiff. We ended up replacing the entire cable which made a HUGE difference. Enjoy!
STEERING CABLE EX: amzn.to/3tiUiy0
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Hello Everyone, my name is Justin White. Ever since I was young I was always fascinated with how things work. Wherever I am going, I constantly look at how and why something is working the way it is. With my KZbin channel, I am able to give accurate and credible videos to the viewers. Cluengineer or "Clue in engineer" is a guide to a solution. Many of my videos are how to, fix it, and explanation. Come join the community and subscribe, like, and share.

[@bradcole57]

Excellent video! I pulled my steering cable, got the numbers off of it, ordered a new one!! Cant wait for it to show up so I can install it. Probably wont be able to get out on the water for a few months, but will so be looking forward to it!!

[@canavyvet]

Great video, my Malibu is now starting to be stiff. Absolutely going to use this as I swap cables. Thank you for doing an excellent tutorial. Keep it up.

[@92813justin]

You are welcome. I am glad you are enjoying the videos Jeff. Let me know if you have any questions

[@Gunneron4aBRP]

Eww Malibu only joking I like Malibu and nautique

[@johnc.9133]

Love watching your boat videos. Keep them up!

[@92813justin]

Thanks for the support!

[@therenaldrich748]

Thanks. Was looking for a video that had a cable just like mine. First one I came across. Good and to the point without over explaining.

[@92813justin]

Theren Aldrich Thank you

[@bogdanleczynski6601]

one of the best tutorial -well done mate, keep streaming

[@92813justin]

bogdan leczynski Thank you!

[@jimmsch]

Great, well made informative video. I have definitely learned a lot about doing this job. My only question is this: Did you remove the entire engine to get such clear access to the rudder end of things? It looks like you had easy access, whereas on my boat the thing is buried under the engine. I am not sure it can be done without removing the engine.

[@Lancelotolink]

Thank You, I just bought a ski nautique that needs this. Thanks again for sharing your experience.

[@92813justin]

You are so welcome!

[@debianlinux9448]

Loved this video!! Thank you for sharing the knowledge!

[@AlejandroMendoza-vc4tr]

Thank you for this video I just finish to change my steering cable inspired in your video and all your explanation...👍🏻

[@92813justin]

You are welcome

[@jaurandt3rd]

do you have a part number? i have a 95 as well but seems to be 2 different cables? great video too hopefully i can do mine as well

[@user-jf7zc1ok9s]

Well done. Just finished changing my steering cable on the exact same boat. Mechanically a breeze, but removing and feeding the new one through the hull a #%#}#%^*%#{{{%^*. Couple tips, make sure to remove through the bow., impossible to do if you try to double back. Make sure it is not wrapped the wrong from the side of the throttle cables. Remove the drain hose from the entrance in the bow to get extra room. For the new one you need to approach the entry from the side under the ski locker to get it started. Quick break then the impeller. Thanks for these videos. Tim A.

[@danclodfelter2591]

Nice job! I need to do this, its a workout to turn my boat.

[@92813justin]

Dan Clodfelter, that’s exactly why I had to change the steering cable

[@danieldavis3859]

Awesome video. Very well done

[@92813justin]

Thank you very much!

[@larrynieh6015]

Do you have a video on changing the tilt helm mechanism thanks. Great videos.

[@92813justin]

Not yet, I will make the video once mine goes out

[@TheRandrx2]

Nice job!

[@92813justin]

TheRandrx2 thank you. It was not a bad install

[@flyingbatfish]

First, your parents must be proud of you and I appreciate all you do. I'm a new boat owner, with a 2001 Air Nautique. Title and hull number come back as a Pro Air Nautique, but the decal on the side just says Air Nautique, so not really sure what I own. In any case, I found it almost impossible to remove the rear seat that encompasses the factory hard ballast tanks. It essentially is just wedged in there, but the curvature of the interior makes it a bugger get it out, and especially back into place, without stressing and practically damaging the side speaker and vinyl. Thoughts??

[@92813justin]

Are there any screws you can access from the side of rear of the boat? It’s hard to say without being there. Congrats on your new boat and let me know if you have any questions with your engine or maintenance.

[@flyingbatfish]

@@92813justin Turns out all you have to do is remove the engine cowling and then the back seat slides out easily. You just have to pull it far enough forward to the wider part of the boat. I guess I was being lazy. I'll definitely reach out with any engine questions. Thanks

[@Justin-hx8ld]

Nice work, sub’d!

[@92813justin]

Thank you!

[@adkrock1]

Looks simple enough! I have a 98 SNOB and it goes in and out of gear rather easily. When I throttle up at first there is a catch or a hitch that inhibits a smooth transition to higher speed. Any thoughts?

[@92813justin]

Rock Locey check your throttle cable?

[@garychadwick6301]

I have a 1999 ski Nautique 176 and i dont know which steering cable i need i find them for 196 but i cant find any for the 176. any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

[@kevcomedia1400]

Nice job man, thank you!

[@92813justin]

Kevco Media, welcome! Let’s me know if you have any questions

[@kevcomedia1400]

Was it hard to slide the new cable thru?

[@92813justin]

Kevco Media, not at all. Make sure you use the rope technique that we used to pull it through

[@kevcomedia1400]

Right on thx man!

[@mccoy4to5]

I ordered a new steering cable and I am going to switch it out today. We have a 2006 Ski Nautique, it is a little bit different set up than your boat. But I hope it goes as well as yours did. Are you in Wisconsin? The scenery on your lake looks familiar.

[@92813justin]

No, we are in Northern California. Let me know if you have any questions with the install

[@phillipchristian8445]

I just watched this video. I have a couple of questions. How do you grease this steering system? Where did you order the new steering system? I need this exact system. VIDEO WELL DONE

[@92813justin]

You do not grease it because the grease is already in the cable and it is a closed system. I purchased it from nautique parts

[@steveday3757]

As everyone reply mate 💯 great video keep them coming 👍

[@92813justin]

Thank you!

[@Octopus13]

What about the slot key inside the steering shaft

[@danieldavis3859]

I hope this works on my regal 2760 commodore. Question did your steering just get stiff one day or did it gradually happen? I noticed mine got rock hard out of the blue

[@92813justin]

Started to get stiff over time

[@jonknoop4690]

Do you think this could be done (2003 206) at the dock or should I trailer boat out onto dry land?

[@92813justin]

Yes, make sure to bring all your tools haha

[@scooteranthony6297]

I just had my steering cable replaced on my 2004 MB Sport B52. But, they did not adjust it properly. It's a full turn off to the left. Cannot do a tight turn left. Can only do a tight turn right. Where does the adjustment need to be made? At the steering column or back at the connection to the rudder? Please advice.

[@92813justin]

Under the steering column where they attached the steering column to the new cable.

[@flyingbatfish]

Clu, I have a 2001 Air Nautique and can't figure out how to get the rear seats out! The shape of the seat box/base is near impossible to get in and out without damaging the side walls of the boat. Help!

[@92813justin]

Maybe from the engine compartment? I am not sure, wish I could help more

[@jeromelambert7113]

What is the best way to measure the steering cable if I have a 17.5 ft

[@92813justin]

That is hard to say. If you do not want to pull it out and measure it, I would call the boat company and ask them

[@Rob-qd6nh]

I have a 2006 air nautique. My engine is way in the back. Do you have videos for that or know where I can get video. Thanks

[@92813justin]

Rob I don't have an rear engine videos. But it is the same engine!

[@Rob-qd6nh]

CluEngineer it’s a pcm Excalibur 330

[@megasonify4800]

Sounds pretty badass dwood.

[@brettb2701]

Got a sea ray 205 sport Have 4 inches of play and always over correcting at low speeds Is this a cure for it?

[@92813justin]

It most likely is unless your rudder is loose

[@jay12035]

Instead of replacing the whole steering cable can I just simply lube each lube spot on the cable with a high quality marine grease and be okay? My steering is pretty stiff but still drivable. Let me know if you think this will work. Thanks!

[@jorgelopez3922]

jay12035 I have a 2008 searay 210, I tried lubing it first with a spray lube but not really any help since it is sealed at both ends, before changing my power steering pump. It did not work so now I'm thinking about changing out the cable and it will be fun on my boat it is very tight and congested under steering column.

[@jay12035]

Jorge Lopez I discovered that my steering cable has a grease fitting at the end right above where the rudder is. I greased it there and would turn the cable and grease it again. The problem is that the fitting is in the bilge area so water will eventually find it's way through the fitting which will make rust and will make the cable harder to slide. It's kinda of a catch 22. I really need to find some way to cap the fitting so water doesn't get in. The steering is a lot better than it was but i probably will end up replacing it in the off season. Not sure if your cable has the fitting or not

[@jorgelopez3922]

jay12035 I don't recall seeing a grease fitting, it has been a while when I was trouble shooting back in 2016. I'll have to double check again and try if I have one see how it turns out. On your end I would try to put some silicone or look for a cap for grease fittings I've seen some fittings with small rubber caps. Good luck and thanks for sharing your info.

[@monoposto2285]

How much play is acceptable in a boat steering wheel? 10 degrees? 20 degrees? 30 degrees? 40 degrees?

[@92813justin]

I would say 20 degrees is way to much. You should be feel locked in.

[@danboykin2271]

What is the best place to buy OEM steering Cable 1995 natique

[@92813justin]

Dan Boykin nautique parts

[@HixsonKids]

Where do you get all your parts, have a 99 aswell and need parts

[@92813justin]

I bought this part from nautiqueparts

[@flyingbatfish]

Miami Nautique has great selection of parts, website is easy to use, and prices are right too. Highly recommend.

[@tylermelanson7872]

Cool, a boat with a stick shift!

[@catface3473]

For those who have a stiff ..hard to turn cable..dont wait too long..mine failed a long way from home..my kicker got me half home when the plastic throttle linkage failed on kicker..i made it to moorage with main engine idling in gear and used the kicker as a rudder...it worked ..but only because the outdrive was in dead ahead position..and the stiff cable held it in that position..the cable failed at the helm..but not so lucky taking the boat from moorage to the boat ramp..it was horrible and ended up idling in gear dragging a paddle over one side or another to create a steering drag...what a mess...but I made it.lmao.

[@jasoncarr5946]

How long did this job take you out of curiosity.

[@92813justin]

Maybe 3 to 4 hours

[@jasoncarr5946]

CluEngineer thank you for getting back to me. It is greatly appreciated.

[@92813justin]

@@jasoncarr5946 , of coarse. Let me know if you have any questions with the install

[@jonjohnson1128]

"one sec dad!" 😊

[@92813justin]

Gotta love it