Replacing Your Boat's Steering Helm: A Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing the steering helm on a boat is a complex task that requires careful attention to detail. It involves working with the steering system, which is responsible for converting the wheel's rotary motion into a push-pull motion on the cable. There are different types of steering helms, such as rotary helms and rack and pinion helms, each with its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of space and performance. When replacing the steering helm, it is essential to identify the type of cable and helm in the boat, as they are not always interchangeable. The process includes disconnecting the old steering cables, cleaning and lubricating the steering tube, detaching the old racks, removing the steering wheel, and installing the new parts. It is recommended to replace the steering system with one of the same type to ensure the boat handles as intended and simplify the installation process.

Disconnect old steering cables

Disconnecting old steering cables is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Disconnect the cables from the aft end of the boat. The first step is to remove the bolts securing the push rods to the link rod. The push rods are attached to the ends of the steering cables and connect to the link rod, which pushes on the engine to turn the boat. Once the bolts are removed, go to the other side of the engine and loosen the retainer nuts at the end of each cable sheath. This will allow you to pull the cables out of their tubes.

Step 2: Clean and lubricate the steering tube. With the cables removed, it is important to clean and lubricate the steering tube and the tilt tube. This can be done by spraying a solvent, such as WD-40, inside the tubes and then running a wire cleaning brush through them. After brushing, spray white lithium grease or hydraulic steering fluid inside the tubes to lubricate them.

Step 3: Detach the cables from the helm. The next step is to detach the old steering cables from the helm, which is the part under the steering wheel that contains the pinion gear. This is typically done by unbolting the cables from the helm. Be careful to note any electrical wires that may be attached to the cables with zip ties, and carefully cut the zip ties to secure the wires elsewhere.

Step 4: Remove the steering wheel. To remove the steering wheel, first remove any dust cap or hub plate that may be covering the nut holding the steering wheel in place. Then, use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the nut. If the steering wheel is difficult to remove, you may need to use a puller or lightly tap on the end of the shaft with a hammer.

By following these steps, you can successfully disconnect the old steering cables from your boat. It is important to work carefully and consult a professional if you are unsure about any part of the process.

Clean and lubricate steering tube

To clean and lubricate the steering tube, you must first remove the steering cable from the tilt tube. This can be done by unbolting the steering tilt tube from the outboard motor using a 9/16-inch socket wrench. Once the steering cable is removed, clean the inside of the tilt tube by spraying a good quality penetrating lubricant or WD-40 inside the tube to break up any hardened marine grease.

Next, take a small piece of extra-fine sandpaper and thread it into a rod. Attach the rod to a drill and place the tube into a bench vise to hold it securely. Run the cleaning rod through the tube slowly to clean the inside of the tube. If there is significant rust inside the tube, it is recommended to replace it with a stainless steel tilt tube to prevent future problems.

After cleaning the tube, replace the nut on the tilt tube with a nut that has a zerk fitting, which will make future lubrication easier. Tighten the nut securely in place.

Now it's time to lubricate the cable. Using a grease gun, grease the cable through the newly installed grease fitting with the marine grease recommended by the steering system manufacturer.

Finally, reassemble the steering cable and tilt tube, ensuring all fasteners are tight and there is no binding or excessive free play in the moving parts.

Detach old rack from helm

Detaching the old rack from the helm is a crucial step in replacing your boat's steering system. Here is a detailed guide on how to go about it:

First, you will need to gather the necessary tools, which may include a socket wrench, a puller, a Phillips-head screwdriver, and a wire cleaning brush. Ensure you have a replacement kit ready, such as the Seastar SS15214 "kit", which includes a new helm, a new dual cable, and a new bezel.

Next, you will need to detach the old rack from the helm. This process typically involves unbolting the rack from the helm. In the case of the Seastar SS15214 kit, there were eight bolts securing the rack to the helm. Carefully remove any zip ties or electrical wires that may be attached to the rack and secure them elsewhere. Once the rack is free, you can then pull the steering cables out of the boat, starting from the helm end.

It is important to note that you may need to cut or detach any zip ties or electrical wires that were attached to the old rack. Take care not to damage any wires, and ensure they are securely fastened elsewhere.

After detaching the old rack, you will be able to remove the steering wheel from the top of the helm. There may be a dust cap or a nut holding the steering wheel in place, which you will need to remove. In some cases, you may need to use your knees to force the steering wheel off the shaft. Additionally, some steering shafts have a "woodruff key", a small half-moon-shaped piece of metal that fits into a groove on the shaft. If your steering shaft has this feature, you may need a special tool to remove the key and the steering wheel.

By following these steps, you will successfully detach the old rack from the helm, allowing you to proceed with the rest of the replacement process. Remember to refer to your boat's specific instructions and take appropriate safety precautions throughout the process.

Remove steering wheel

Removing the steering wheel from your boat is a complex process and should be done with care. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Firstly, you will need to disconnect the old steering cables from the aft end of the boat. For a rack and pinion system, each cable has a permanently attached "push rod" on one end and a "rack" on the other end that is attached to the "helm" under the steering wheel. Remove the bolts securing the push rods to the link rod, then loosen the retainer nuts at the end of each cable sheath and pull the cables out.

Next, detach the old racks from the helm. In some cases, you may need to cut zip-ties and secure wires elsewhere. Once the racks are free, you can drag the steering cables out of the boat, pulling from the helm end.

Now, it's time to remove the steering wheel itself. Pop off any dust cap or hub plate that may be concealing the nut holding the steering wheel in place. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove this nut. If the wheel is corroded, it may not come off easily, and you may need to use a puller to remove it.

After removing the steering wheel, you will need to remove the Woodruff key from the steering shaft. The Woodruff key is a small, half-moon-shaped piece of metal that fits into a groove on the shaft. It may require some force to pull the wheel off, and tapping on the end of the shaft with a hammer while pulling can help.

Finally, with the steering wheel removed, you can proceed to install the new one, following the manufacturer's instructions for your specific boat model. Ensure you have all the necessary tools and safety equipment before beginning the installation process.

By carefully following these steps, you can successfully remove the steering wheel of your boat's steering helm, setting the stage for further maintenance or upgrades to your boat's steering system.

Install new parts

Now that the old parts have been removed, it's time to install the new ones. If you are replacing the steering system with a new one of the same type, this process should be relatively straightforward.

First, you will need to install the new mounting bracket to the dash. Then, feed the new cable(s) through the gunwale of the boat, and insert the push rods into the steering tube and tilt tube. Connect the push rods to the link rod at the engine. Tighten the large cable nuts on the other side of the engine.

Next, bolt the new rack to the new helm. Feed the new helm/rack-cable assembly up through the new mounting bracket and bolt the assembly to the bracket. Install the new plastic bezel over the shaft of the new helm. Insert a new woodruff key into the shaft and press the steering wheel onto the shaft. Tighten the large nut at the top of the shaft.

Finally, lubricate the steering shaft with marine grease and reinstall the hub plate on the steering wheel. If you are installing a hydraulic system, you will also need to fill and bleed the system.

Frequently asked questions