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Old 01-27-11, 08:58 PM   #1
bigbasswilly
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Hey all, I have an 85 stratos with a 96 merc 135. Up until now, have not had any problems really. All of the sudden I can't hardly turn the steering wheel. It takes all I have to steer the boat. What is the best way to find out what the true problem is? And...if it is the cable, is it wise to change it myself or is that something better left to the pros?

Thanks for any help you can offer.
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Old 01-27-11, 09:48 PM   #2
bamabassman
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in my non-knowing, really, opion i think it could be the cable,AND the pullys. if it were ME i would take it to a repair shop jsut to be sure FIRST.
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Old 01-27-11, 10:26 PM   #3
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have you been lubing the steering arm at all. may just need a good lube job
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Old 01-28-11, 08:59 PM   #4
bigbasswilly
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Thanks for the help.
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Old 01-31-11, 09:21 PM   #5
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Just like to put in my .02. Was having major problems turning my own wheel on our Slacker...errr... Tracker. Took it to the pro if you will and had the steering totally replaced. It's the difference of night and day. Almost like having power steering now. Would highly recommend it. Think of it as a safety issue. That's the only link controlling where your boats headin. You lose that control and whattya got? Or say you have to make an emergency maneuver to avoid someone or something? Or even worse...lake lice.
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Old 02-14-11, 10:33 AM   #6
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Hah! Lake lice? Jet skies?
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Old 02-14-11, 10:55 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobbygib View Post
Hah! Lake lice? Jet skies?
Exactly. Also known as "jet fleas."
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Old 02-14-11, 02:10 PM   #8
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most likely the cable,and if it has dual cables,it probably that one of them is broke and seized/rusted up. you can change them yourself,they arent that bad,just sucks laying on your head under the dash.just unhook the cables from the motor and see if the motor turns easily with nothing attached to it. then turn the wheel and see if you feel any resistance. there shouldnt be much at all if the cables are good.
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Old 02-16-11, 11:05 AM   #9
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I gotta replace mine this year too. Gettin' pretty stiff....my steering that is!! I diconnected the cables from the motor and it's still hard to turn the wheel. Motor moves freely when cables are disconnected.. Definately needs new cables. I read on some similar threads you may need to remove the motor to replace the cables. Not sure I understand that. Sure looks as if you can do it with the motor still mounted.
Am i missing something?
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Old 02-16-11, 11:40 AM   #10
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mine was no problem with the motor attached.
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Old 02-17-11, 10:55 PM   #11
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If you are replacing both cables I would suggest you just buy the no-feedback steering complete kit. I had to replace the cables on my Gambler and the price of 2 cables was slightly less than the complete no-feedback steering kit. With the no feedback system you can let go of the wheel at any speed and the boat will go in whatever direction you had it pointed. A world of difference and worth the extra $$$$$$.
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