Steering cables.

Mercury · 17 February 2009, 20:22

Hi. I am in need of a shorter steering cable for my 4mt. Searider. But I am unsure which one to use, are the Teleflex and Ultraflex cables and helms interchangeable, ie. can I use one brand helm with other brand cable. And does any one have any recommendations? Many thanks. I have looked in the search facility but to no avail.

MEK BREATH · 17 February 2009, 21:17

I know that teleflex uses standard hardware and u-flex uses metric so I dont recommend mixing up the hardware. as for the cable itself im unsure if it is universal to use...check out ebay for spare teleflex/u flex parts. good luck!

Dirk Diggler · 18 February 2009, 08:06

The only way to guarantee compatibility is to use part numbers, which should be on your cable about a foot from the end.

9D280 · 18 February 2009, 12:16

I think the engine end fitting is a "universal standard" (I just swapped a Yam (metric everything) for an aging Merc (imperial everything) and the locknut screwed straight onto the tilt tube. Having said that, the engines were of a similar Hp. I think once you get above about 150ish Hp the steering gear beefs up to suit.

As Dirk says, your part number should be on the cable, of which at least a couple of digits will correspond to the length. If not walk in to your local supplier with the old one and say "one of these, but X amount shorter please" - they should be able to help!