1996 26x steering box

[Ttsail]

Hi all,
I had my boat come loose from its mooring in high wind this weekend and run aground. Anyway to make a long story short the steering box has apparently stripped some gears in the process. What is a good replacement box?
Thanks
Tim

[waternwaves]

U-flex...........


And carry a spare, and carry spare bolts for whatever box you get.

normally the box does not strip, the cable does, or the box bolts break, or.....

I got my latest from Todd @ BWY in seattle.

Normally, if the box or cable fails, you aare in serious need of lubrication for the cable and steering motor assembly, Disconnect the cable from the Bracket and motor, and start pushing things to see what is binding, If you have the nissan/tohatsu, go get a lube nut ( Tilt tube nut with a zirc fitting) and install as soon as possible.

[Ttsail]

Thanks for the info. Do you know which model Uflex system you used?

[Craig LaForce]

I bought something called SAFE-T helm QC from Teleflex about 5 yrs ago to install a spare helm inside the cabin. It is posted in the mods somewhere.

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/cgi-bin ... record=308

[Don T]

Hello,
I replaced my helm & cable (uflex) and my old gear head is perfectly fine. You can have it for free.

[bradhill]

I replaced my original 1996 steering with a Uflex Accura No-Feedback T73NR FC helm and M66 12' cable in 2006. Original helm was still good, just the cable was crusty & corroded. In any case, I had the units and replaced everything. What a difference a couple of hundred bucks and a couple of hours will make.

The 12' cable seems a little long (a little more arc in the cabin ceiling), you may be able to get by with an 11' .

When you replace the unit, make sure you buy or rent a steering wheel puller. You will find the steering wheel is very firmly imbedded into the original helm and too much pulling will stress and crack the pedestal's fiberglass. Does that sould like an admission of ?

[kenny]

Disconnect the cable from the Bracket and motor, and start pushing things to see what is binding, If you have the nissan/tohatsu, go get a lube nut ( Tilt tube nut with a zirc fitting) and install as soon as possible.[/quote]

Waternwaves, can you clarify what/where the Zirc fitting goes. I assume the Zirc allows pressurized lube but not sure I understand where it should be installed.
I have a 2001 X with 2001 Nissan 50.

[Craig LaForce]

I wouldn't bother with a Zerc. Just make sure the nut on the end of the new steering actuator is good stainless or bronze.

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

I have the Uflex and it comes with a Bronze nut. It is far better than the cheapo nut on the Detmar that the factory installed. The problem most encounter is corrosion, not lack of lubrication.

I see no reason for a nut with a zerc. The opening does not have a true seal and adding grease would just lead to a mess over time.

[Don T]

Hello,
I installed the nut w/seal on the outlet side to keep water and dirt out. If you use grease it will spit the seal out, it is meant for an oil lube which I use. Most of my steering problems have occurred when it was stored for the winter. I always had to clean, lube and free up the cable each spring. I got 10 years out of the original Morse unit.

[Ttsail]

From what I have learned from all of you and doing a little research the Uflex is an upgrade from the original system. I will go that route.
Don T Thank you for the offer but I am going to replace the whole thing.

I was really lucky, the boat hit some wood pilings. If the boat had drifted 20 feet to the right or left it would have hit the rocky shore and I would have lost everything.