synthetic steering cable

[iancoombe]

Whilst checking and lubricating the steering I got to thinking about replacing the cable with synthetic of some type. Just wondered if anyone has done just that and what were the results.
Cheers Ian

[DeepFrz]

Ian, there have been a number of threads on the subject. A google custom search on "synthetic steering cables" brings up a number of threads. One member is using Amsteel Blue.

[RaymondR]

I build my own wheel autopilot drives and use a toothed auto timing belt as the final drive. The motor end sprocket end is only about 1 1/2" in diameter and whilst the belt does not work hard it is constantly being flexed around this small radius and should suffer a lot of fatigue. The last one lasted 8 years of fairly constant use and finally gave up more from UV damage than anything else. These belts are designed for in excess of 100,000km of use before replacement in auto engine use.


Based on this experience I would offer the opinion that either these synthetic cord belts or the stuff they use for making slings would probably achieve better fatigue lives than many of the cable systems now in use.

[iancoombe]

Thanks guy's I had a little difficulty finding real world experience from Google but it was discussed to bits. Cheers