We just bought a 2005 180SR, it's in great shape with low hours. Only issue is when under load the steering wheel is extremely hard. When in neutral I can turn it but not very easy. But definitely easier than in gear. I'm not certain if I have a assisted power steering on mine. I do know its cable driven. Previous owner said it's been tight for years. Research says to replace the cable, check to ensure its greased. But I'm not certain about anything else. I'm having a extremely hard time finding what length cable or part number I need. I'd like to install a new one just to rule it out. Beside the cable and greasing the zerk fittings, what should I check? Now consider I dont know what everything is called, but am learning. Thanks.
Is this boat equipped with a outboard motor or I/O engine/drive package?
Try disconnecting the steering cable at the transom to see if you notice any difference from when in neutral, if not replace the cable which will be marked with a part number including its length.
Is this boat equipped with a outboard motor or I/O engine/drive package?
Try disconnecting the steering cable at the transom to see if you notice any difference from when in neutral, if not replace the cable which will be marked with a part number including its length.
Sorry, it's a 3.0 mercruiser with alpha drive. I'll try that this evening. Going to get the part number also.
Just unhooked the pin from the cable in the rear. Cable is smooth as silk. The shaft coming out is none dry though. The stern turns very easy also when hooked up. I assume it still will be hard in water.
So the unhooked cable turns easy, and when connected and turning while on the trailer it turns easy. Do you have a finned anode? This is used to offset steering torque.
Did you ever fix there steering? What was the fix? On my previous boat, after disconnecting the cable the helm seemed to turn easy and the drive. With 20 years on the cable, I replaced it because of the age even though it seemed to turn easy. The new cable made an amazing difference. It was turning great.
Did you ever fix there steering? What was the fix? On my previous boat, after disconnecting the cable the helm seemed to turn easy and the drive. With 20 years on the cable, I replaced it because of the age even though it seemed to turn easy. The new cable made an amazing difference. It was turning great.
No, it got stored for winter and hadn't been touched since.
I'm going to order a new cable though.
Extremely tight steering. New to boats.
Linear Mode
