I have a Edson push pull on my
boat (Catalina 30). I am not fond of the system as in my opinion the pulley system is more robust, easier to maintain and can be tensioned tighter than a push-pull system. I assume they use this push-pull system as it can be installed in tight spaces where you cannot get line-of-sight runs of the steering cables from pulley to quadrant..
For those not familiar with it, the push-pull system consists of the standard cable/chain which drives the rudder quadrant, nestled inside a fixed armored casing with a Teflon (Nylon?) liner which the steering cable passes through. It is similar in "design" to the hand brakes on a bicycle.
My boat was not well maintained when I bought it and there was so much slop in the steering I could not install the wheel-mounted
autopilot as it would constantly "hunt".
There was slack in the chain itself between the links, play between the chain and the sprocket teeth, the pedestal shaft had excessive play and was missing pieces, and the plastic (yes PLASTIC ) ferrule fittings on ends of the the push pull outer cable were broken.
In the end, I completely rebuilt the pedestal with new
parts from Edson including new brake, bearings, shaft, socket as well as making a new keyway.
Edson sells everything. Just take a Valium before you see the parts costs.
I also installed new cable/chain, and new push-pull armored cable & fittings which I purchased from
Catalina direct.
An option may be to install a pulley system in place of the push-pull system, if you have the room. You can tension the cables more on a pulley system. If you overtighten the cable on the push-pull system the steering cables will act like a saw and cut into the inner teflon/nylon sleeve of the armored cable.
The armored cable is stainless and a b*tch to saw through. I used a hacksaw and it was 10 minutes minimum of sawing for each cut. It is impossible to re-use of armor cable as it becomes stiff as a pipe after use due to
corrosion.
Also a note, the grease for the cables on the push-pull system per Edson must be
silicone NOT oil-based as the
oil based grease will break down the plastic inner sleeve.
The chain itself is normal lube. Recommended by Edson /
Catalina is Boeshield T9.
You can call Edson direct. They are great guys. Just expensive. Tel: (508) 995-9711.
Edson pedestal parts:
https://edsonmarine.com/products/sai...ntenance-kits/
More pedestal parts:
https://edsonmarine.com/products/sai...are-and-parts/
Push-pull cable at Catalina Direct:
https://www.catalinadirect.com/shop-...-26-c-27-c-30/
cheers