My steering cable is stiff/stuck and won't move properly when I turn the wheel. What should I do?
The first step is to isolate the problem component(s) of the steering system. Several factors can lead to what feels like a stiff or frozen steering cable. If you do not have installation instructions for the system's cable and helm, contact Dometic (or other manufacturers, if appropriate) to obtain them. Also, have your engine and boat owner's manuals handy.
The following troubleshooting sequence is suggested, during which the steering wheel should remain on the helm.
a) Is the steering cable in fact stiff/frozen?
Carefully disconnect the steering cable from the link arm, tiller arm, or rudder post arm. (Refer to installation instructions for that steering system and boat/engine owner's manual.)
From the helm, attempt to turn the steering wheel in both directions by hand to ensure that it moves freely through its prescribed steering arc. Also, check the hardware that connected the cable to the engine/drive/rudder for signs of binding, excessive free play, corrosion, deterioration, and/or incorrect assembly.
If everything does move freely and is in good working order, continue to step C. If the steering is still hard, continue to step B.
Steering cables cannot be repaired. If the steering cable has deteriorated, does not move, or operates in any manner other than correctly, replace it with the correct one for the helm. If the cable for your helm is no longer available, replace the helm, bezel, and cable with an appropriate Dometic steering kit.
If any cable connection is deteriorated, too stiff, or too loose, replace it with the correct type of component. Dometic offers most types of connection hardware, except link arms which should be obtained from the engine manufacturer. Note that locking fasteners are used on connection components. Do not substitute non-locking fasteners as this may lead to steering failure.
Measure the cable's plastic jacket (casing) in inches. If rotary, add 18" and round up to the next foot. If rack & pinion, add 30" and round up to the next foot.
b) Is the helm stiff/frozen?
With the steering cable disconnected from the link arm, tiller arm, or rudder post arm, disconnect the cable from the helm. (Refer to installation instructions for that steering system.)
From the helm, attempt to turn the steering wheel in both directions by hand to ensure that it moves freely through its prescribed steering arc.
If everything does move freely and is in good working order, go to step C.
If the wheel does not move, replace the helm and bezel kit. If the helm and bezel are no longer available, replace helm, bezel, and cable with an appropriate Dometic steering kit.
c) Does the engine/drive/rudder pivot freely through its entire arc from port to starboard?
With the steering cable disconnected from the link arm, tiller arm, or rudder post arm, move the engine/drive/rudder back and forth by hand to ensure that it moves freely through its prescribed steering arc. If it does not move or is extremely stiff, have proper maintenance or repairs done. If it does move freely, then check for obstructions that may have been limiting engine movement and/or revisit the previous steps.