Steering cable replacement

[VinnyVincent]

My steering cable is starting to fray and I am going to need to replace it. My current plan is to buy some 7X19 galvanized cable from west marine and go to town(I already have the crimping tools)

Are there any special pitfalls I should be aware of before starting this project?
It's one of those things where I am a little nervous to cut the old cable without researching it and I found very limited info on replacing this part online. Is that because it's an easy job?

[model 10]

Make sure you use a thimble. There is a correct order to the 3 crimps. Crimp the middle then next to the thimble then the end. Make sure the thimble is tight Try and have the correct amount of cable sticking out the sleeve when you are done 1/16" min 1/8"max.

[irwin37]

I would not use rigging wire for steering cable, its not flexible enough and will work harden were it moves over the sheaves which will cause future premature brakes. I replaced mine with stainless cable ordered from MacMasterCarr. It is supper flexible and still I am pushing the limits on the minimum bend radius, but it was the best I could find.

Hope this helps

John

[maine50]

If you have a steering compass on your pedestal you might make it go a little crazy with galvanized steering cable.

[VinnyVincent]

Originally Posted by irwin37

I would not use rigging wire for steering cable, its not flexible enough and will work harden were it moves over the sheaves which will cause future premature brakes. I replaced mine with stainless cable ordered from MacMasterCarr. It is supper flexible and still I am pushing the limits on the minimum bend radius, but it was the best I could find.

Hope this helps

John

Rigging wire is 1X19. I had planned on using 7X19, which I think is the more flexible kind?

[VinnyVincent]

Originally Posted by maine50

If you have a steering compass on your pedestal you might make it go a little crazy with galvanized steering cable.

hmmm...I could buy stainless instead it really makes no difference to me. I was just saying galvanized because that's what the old one looks like. I could be mistaken since the cable is so old.

[model 10]

Originally Posted by VinnyVincent

hmmm...I could buy stainless instead it really makes no difference to me. I was just saying galvanized because that's what the old one looks like. I could be mistaken since the cable is so old.

I would go with the Galvanized. it's a lot more flexible and less likely to break a strand or wire.

[irwin37]

See Table: 7x7 and 7 x19 ultra flex are the only cables rated for use on pulleys that I have found. Its more than likely much cheeper than WM also. Take a look at their on line catolog. Most times if you order its there the next day.
Nonmagnetic Stainless Steel Wire Rope—Not for Lifting


Flexible 7 × 7


Ultra-Flexible 7 × 19





Made of specialty grade 305 stainless steel, this wire rope is nonmagnetic and corrosion resistant. It is preformed to prevent it from unraveling when cut. It is extra-lubricated for added wear and corrosion resistance. Rope has a strand core.
Note: Load capacity has a 5:1 safety factor compared to breaking strength.

Dia.Load
Capacity, lbs.Fits Pulley/Drum
Dia.Lengths, ft. Per Ft.Flexible 7 × 7—Meets MIL-DTL-18375
0.063"702 3/4"25, 50, 100, 300, 500
8909T12$0.410.094"1403 1/8"10, 25, 50, 100, 300
8909T14.55Ultra-Flexible 7 × 19—Meets MIL-DTL-18375
0.125"2603 1/4"5, 10, 25, 50, 100
8909T161.000.188"5804 7/8"5, 10, 25, 50, 100
8909T221.690.25"9806 1/2"2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100
8909T312.39