Replacing Detmar Steering Cable

[Rob Roy]

I have a Detmar 4-200 series square rack steering system on my 2000 with an alarmingly stiff cable but Detmar no longer import the replacement cable to England.

My question is: can I use the Teleflex SSC134 as a replacement cable for my Detmar or do I have to change the whole helm to the SS141 and drill the bigger hole?

Thank you everyone

[Paul S]

I had to use the teleflex cable and make the hole bigger on our M

[Rob S]

I don't know, but I did fit an SS141 (10 ft length) to my 2002 without any problems. Yes, I did have to drill a slightly larger hole in the console. They supply a paper template which helps position it but the problem is getting the hole saw centred (note English spelling... I'm a Brit too!) when a large hole already exists there, i.e. no small pilot hole to keep the hole saw positioned and centred. I overcame this by temporarily screwing a larger 1/2" board to the console, aligning the template on the board, then drilling into the board. Once the hole saw has drilled through the board and is cutting into the console, you can remove the board and continue cutting into the console. Easy after that. The upper end of the rack is a snug fit inside the console but it did fit. I'd just check the fit before you start drilling to make sure your console doesn't have any thick spots that might make you want to drill slightly off the old centre just to make sure it fits OK...... I didn't have to do this in the end, but like I said, it's close. I also couldn't find an identical rubber boot for the through-hull hole near the transom (had to cut the old one off). But I found something similar for a power boat and cut it to fit and sealed it with silicone, worked fine.

I hadn't realised just how bad my old cable had been until the new one was in. It was suddenly as light as a feather! It would probably have seized completely this season had I not replaced it. Night and day difference.

[Hamin' X]

Easy way to make a larger hole, is to nest a hole saw of the original diameter inside the larger hole saw. Perfect every time.

~Rich

[c130king]

I replaced the Detmar on my with the SS-141. The biggest pain was drilling the hole...or making it bigger.

Make sure the hole saw you use is deep enough to go through the "thick" part of the pedastal. On the it must be over 1.5"...the hole saw I borrowed was only 1" deep. I used a chisel and hammer to chisel out the back half of the hole. In the end it was fairly ugly.

But it was all covered up by the plastic cone that comes with the SS-141. As my Dad always told me when we did repairs on my house...you can't see it from the road

Love the new R&P steering. Easy to install.

Good Luck,
Jim

[ralphk]

Rob:


Save yourself aggravation and replace the whole system.


http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... 421#p84421

Here's a little metaphor.
Have you ever replaced just the chain on your bicycle?
Or just one half of a damaged zipper?

This one's just too important to cut corners
fair winds

Ralph k
Hakuna Matata

[vkmaynard]

Use the SS141. I just help another Mac 26x replace his (2nd job for me). < 3 hrs

The new hole is NOT concentric with the old hole. The top of the new larger hole WILL BE even with the top of the old smaller hole. Second boat, same fit. The new rack is slightly taller and needs to be moved down a little.

Cut a plug and wedge it into the old hole for a guide.

Victor

[Kelly Hanson East]

Easy way to make a larger hole, is to nest a hole saw of the original diameter inside the larger hole saw. Perfect every time.

Great trick Rich. I added some key words to make that easier to find.

Worst case of cut twice, measure once I did on the boat was cutting that huge hole in the side for the shore power main connector. The hole diameter was something odd like 3 13/16 inch - I measured it many times, bought the hole saw, cut the hole c-a-r-e-f-u-l-l-y, then found out the hole saw in the brand new labelled box was a different size than advertised..


Luckily, it was smaller, and I cobbled the right size to enlarge the hole and pull off the install cleanly.

[Rob Roy]

Thank you all for your replies. I was rather hoping you would suggest I just change the cable but, having read discussions on steering on this forum, I didn't really think you would.

I have never taken the drill to my and it is unfortunate that the first hole is the biggest and without the luxury of a pilot drill. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all your advice about how to enlarge the opening.

I'm sorry your steering failed Jim but every cloud has a silver lining (for everyone else in this case). I couldn't have figured out how to disconnect the cable, especially at the transom end, without your invaluable posts and photos.

[c130king]

Rob Roy,

No problem. It really wasn't that difficult. After calling a sailboat repair guy (that made "boat calls") I eventually cancelled him as I didn't want to wait for him. So I did it myself (my first big repair) and if I can do it then just about anyone can do it.

But I am sure that every boat is a little different so probably every installation will be a little different. The metal "rack" of the SS-141 is a little longer than the Detmar and thus there was a little interference with my depth guage (or was it my fuel guage...can't remember right now). So I had to slightly modify the way the guage was installed.

Good Luck.

Cheers,
Jim

[AlaskaMan]

I have my replacement Uniflex equipment and will replace the Detmar unit when the snow finally melts next spring.

[bwytodd]

BTW, we recommed replacing with the Uflex system (which BWY does stock), it does require redrilling the hole larger like the teleflex system but has proven to be VERY reliable, and we provide good instructions with pictures. In the end all late model X's with rack and pinion Detmar steering will need replacement, it's just a matter of time, it's best to do it at the first indication of any stiffness in the system. It's no fun to have it bind up on your next vacatuion!

[Chinook]

I can vouch for Todd's post. I noticed stiffness in our 2002 X steering, and worried about a possible failure while on the Sea of Cortez. I installed the Uflex system (the instructions were very helpful), and was very pleased with the results. The smoothness in steering with the new cable was remarkable.

[R Rae]

Any recommendations please on the best source for a new Steering Cable. 2001 26x . It's not at home at present so I can't say what type was installed, but would like to get something on order asap.

Between Uflex and the Teleflex SS-141 is there any preference?

Also, what is best, 8 or 9 feet ?

Thanks.....r

[2BonC]

I did fit an SS141 (10 ft length) to my 2002 without any problems.

I looked for the Teleflex SS 141 in the web and found this one:"Teleflex SS141 Rack Package Single Back Mount"?
http://www.starmarinedepot.com/Teleflex ... Mount.html
Is this what You have installed? Is there enough space for the rack inside the steering helmet?
Rainer