26x OEM steering binds in one direction

[Jane]

I have an ’02 26x with original steering. It’s always been a little hard to turn but now all of a sudden it’s become much harder to turn past midline to the left. Will not turn as far as it does to the right. In fact, no problem turning full distance to the right. I see nothing external causing it to bind up. Ideas about what’s going on and what to do appreciated.

[DaveC426913]

I'd just replace the whole cable, but that's just me.

[Jane]

When this system goes bad is it usually something as simple as a cable, or is there some sort of worm drive or other thing that would make it best to replace the whole thing?

[Johnacuda]

When this system goes bad is it usually something as simple as a cable, or is there some sort of worm drive or other thing that would make it best to replace the whole thing?

It is usually something simple like a cable, or in my case, more simple than that. I was hitting my boarding ladder when I had the motor all the way up.

[Johnacuda]

The good thing is with an obstruction like that, it keeps us from over-steering and stalling the rudders.

[Egress]

I have a 99X and had same problem. When turning if you look at the linkage bars in the transom well you will discover that the end of the bar on the left butts up against the hull where you walk thru onto the boat from the ladder. Unfortunately the connecting pivot pin is at the end of the rod so you can't cut the rod to a shorter length. I have learned to live with it but the boat tacks much better to the side that has more play. Sorry but hoped this helps

[gabid]

I ignored mine when it started binding and I end up with a broken cable while sailing. Better change the system. Measure the length of the old cable and replace it. This is what I used: http://www.go2marine.com/product/157040 ... ystem.html

[Hibbit]

Hi, i have the same boat and my steering broke on me while out and had to steer home with my foot on the outboard to get back home. My boat 2002X has the rack and pinion steering,it uses a Detmar 8ft cable. After pulling apart the rack i found there were several teeth missing so i have ordered a new rack and helm unit. The cable i pulled out yesterday and it too was binding so i sprayed a lot of lubricant onto each end where it slides in and out and worked it back and forth,it is now free to move much easier, so try and get some lube onto the ends and see if it free's it up . Hope this helps you. Hibbit.

[RobertB]

I have an but suggest you also check your motor steering linkage. You might have the same hardware store looking setup with two L-shaped steel angles loosely bolted together. One day I found mine bent up like a pretzel - I could only turn one direction. Any idea how hard it is to bend steel parts back into shape on a fiberglass boat even if you do have a good hammer? I ended up bolting the pieces to the steering lug on the motor one at a time and using large pliers and the hammer to straighten. I then decided to design a linkage that surprisingly looked like the one BWY sells. Problem is that there is one source of supply for the quick disconnect rod ends and no stock - my guess is that the supplier for BWY bought all the stock. So, paid BWY their markup and installed that one.

To troubleshoot, I would disconnect the cable at the linkage and see if the linkage has full range of motion (turning by hand). Then, check that the cable can move full range. If not, go to the pedestal, disconnect the cable there and check the wheel/gearing.