PLEASE HELP! Steering cable threads

[TicTacZac]

Get this guys, I noticed with my steering wheel straight the steering nozzle is facing port side slightly. I went to adjust the cable and I RAN OUT OF THREADS! I have read that I can tap more threads to the steering rod, but is this a common issue? What would cause this? I added pics! Thanks!

 

[TicTacZac]

Please note I have not test driven this ski yet. I’m not sure if it goes straight at planes speeds. Thanks!

 

[Gritzlor]

My steering can, and normally should be centered by an adjuster in the hull, at the other end of the cable. Take a 10mm wrench on a journey up there under the handlebar to undo a retainer screw, adjust with the nut which comes movable and tighten again. The rod end should have as much engagement as possible without modifications, Loctite and a locking retainer nut a good idea too.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

I think it's normal and you should water test it before jumping too far into this. The reason is, most nozzles won't be pointing straight when the helm is center b/c the water exiting the pump isn't perfectly laminar. If you let go of the handle bars it will be going in circles due to this, the nozzle will be in the straight position in this case. Pointing the nozzle slightly to one side (I want to say Starboard but I forget exactly which side, maybe in the manual?) will make the hull track straight.

I believe the steering cable is also adjustable at the helm end?

 

[TicTacZac]

I think it's normal and you should water test it before jumping too far into this. The reason is, most nozzles won't be pointing straight when the helm is center b/c the water exiting the pump isn't perfectly laminar. If you let go of the handle bars it will be going in circles due to this, the nozzle will be in the straight position in this case. Pointing the nozzle slightly to one side (I want to say Starboard but I forget exactly which side, maybe in the manual?) will make the hull track straight.

I believe the steering cable is also adjustable at the helm end?

Thank you for the quick response! Very helpful information. I will take it out on the water this weekend to test it’s steering. The cable can be adjusted from both ends, but I have both ends adjusted as far as they’ll go with still no “straight steering”. I’m hoping this is just normal and I won’t need a new cable or modification! Worse case I tap some new threads and call it a day

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Yep, the threads CAN be extended but this always makes nervous. Vice grips will make sure not to twist the inner cable, of course.

Come to think of it, I do believe some angle to port is the typical result. Try not to introduce twist into the inner wire.

 

[mikidymac]

You don't do all the adjustment with just the little end connectors. THe majority of the adjustment is done with the big plastic nut where the cable housing attaches to the bracket under the handlebars. Loosen the two 10mm bolts that are clamping the nut then rotate the nut and finally tighten the 10mm bolts to lock it down.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Good suggestion, that would be item #45 in this drawing:

Rivamotorsports.com's 1996 Sea Doo PWC SPX [5877] Parts List.

 

[TicTacZac]

Yep, the threads CAN be extended but this always makes nervous. Vice grips will make sure not to twist the inner cable, of course.

Come to think of it, I do believe some angle to port is the typical result. Try not to introduce twist into the inner wire.

I tried making new threads with little time this morning and the inner cable was still spinning a little and I don’t want to break the wire. So what I’m thinking is grind a minor flat spot on the cable where I want to clamp the vice grip to in order to avoid the cable from spinning any more, then I can make my threads! But, after everyone’s help and I lnput I’m going to try some other adjustments and a test drive before I go too crazy!

 

[TicTacZac]

You don't do all the adjustment with just the little end connectors. THe majority of the adjustment is done with the big plastic nut where the cable housing attaches to the bracket under the handlebars. Loosen the two 10mm bolts that are clamping the nut then rotate the nut and finally tighten the 10mm bolts to lock it down.

Very helpful information I will try this as soon as I’m home and update you all. Thanks!!

 

[AKnarrowback]

Yes. The adjustment is up inside by the steering column not on the cable at the nozzle. Never adjust the nozzle end, you want a good amount of that cable seated nice and tight in that ball joint.

 

[Chester]

I think it's normal and you should water test it before jumping too far into this. The reason is, most nozzles won't be pointing straight when the helm is center b/c the water exiting the pump isn't perfectly laminar. If you let go of the handle bars it will be going in circles due to this, the nozzle will be in the straight position in this case. Pointing the nozzle slightly to one side (I want to say Starboard but I forget exactly which side, maybe in the manual?) will make the hull track straight.

I believe the steering cable is also adjustable at the helm end?

When the handlebars are centered, the steering nozzle must be pointed straight back. The whole adjustment procedure is outlined in the manual.

Chester

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Okay, great info. Conclusion is look under the helm for the adjustment nut. As far as threading the cable end, there should be plenty of adjustment this way not to do this.

I've been forced to add threads on some cables in the past where exact replacements were no longer available (not this particular setup, stern drive shift cables of the Volvo/OMC persuasion) and used a vice grips to hold the inner wire. Not the best way, a proper cable is the best route.

New cables are a great value and cheap insurance from a safety perspective.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

I tried making new threads with little time this morning and the inner cable was still spinning a little and I don’t want to break the wire. So what I’m thinking is grind a minor flat spot on the cable where I want to clamp the vice grip to in order to avoid the cable from spinning any more, then I can make my threads! But, after everyone’s help and I lnput I’m going to try some other adjustments and a test drive before I go too crazy!

Once the inner wire is twisted, they can bind if it's the type splined internally. This is enginered to provide less slop/play. They are pretty tough and difficult to break but twist can create binding.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Yes. The adjustment is up inside by the steering column not on the cable at the nozzle. Never adjust the nozzle end, you want a good amount of that cable seated nice and tight in that ball joint.

This is correct as well, more thread engagement is best UNLESS you must force a twist in the inner wire, so maybe as much as 1/2 turn from being completely bottomed in the swivel connector. There's a minimum thread engagement spec of 8mm I believe, but more is better.

 

[Scottotto]

I had the same problem running out of threads so I went to adjust the plastic nut up front but it spins the whole cable how do I stop this from happening?

 

[mikidymac]

Use some spray lube or grease. The nut infront should turn once you loosen the 10mm pinch bolts.

 

[Scottotto]

Use some spray lube or grease. The nut infront should turn once you loosen the 10mm pinch bolts.

I loosened the 10mm pinch bolts but the nut seems to be seized on the threads any ideas? Thanks