My steering seems excessively stiff, especially at lower speeds. Boat is a 1996. Just my cable too stiff, or is there anything else that should be inspected?

Also, if it is a corroded cable or the like.... Anyone have success freeing them up, lubricating, etc? Spent enough this year...

compared to what you have spent this year ( or i should say might have spent ) the cable is cheap

They use a rack n pinion steering.....long neck with cogs probably up by your steering wheel...pain in the a$$, but yes you can lube them..I have seen it done...but you have to pull the whole cable out and be able to pull and push it from both ends..you can get it freed up..the cable costs about $125 or so..depending on your needed length..I think they come in 2' increments...

Pulled the cable today, it's a Teleflex SSC12416 (16' cable). Cable is extremely stiff. Dealer here in Canada wants $145, not too bad.

Can't see how the cable could come apart for lubing though, it appears to be permaswaged at both ends. The only way I could see to lube it, would be to hold it vertical and let penetrant drip down inside from both ends, then try to cycle it. And yeah, was a pain in the arse to pull out of the boat...

What's a good online source in the U.S. for good prices on these kinds of parts?

Also, since I have the sunpad off, figured I'd change the ignition wires too. Dealer quoted me some Sierras for $60 ..... Any good, or should I go with automotive high performance wires? Any difference from Marine?

Thanks,

J

Yes, they are put together well..but you can get in there and lube them and free them up...seen it done on a 38 fountain. Try eBay..there were some on there when I was helping my buddy on his 38, but he got it lubed up and working very good! As far as parts go.. http://greatlakesskipper.com/ or http://www.diamondperformanceparts.com/home.php are pretty good ones... you can google and find more