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Solved problems · Steering · Crew answer

Why is my wheel steering stiff or loose?

Stiff steering usually means overtightened cables, dry bearings or sheaves that are out of line. Loose steering means slack or stretched cables or worn parts. Here's how to inspect it.

Symptom

The wheel is heavy, sticky or notchy to turn, or it has play before the rudder responds, or it clunks when turning.

Likely cause

Pedestal cable steering uses a chain over a sprocket, wire cables, sheaves and a quadrant or radial drive on the rudder post. Edson notes that too much cable tension adds friction and wears bearings, while too little lets the wheel move before the rudder does and lets cables jump sheaves. Worn pedestal bearings, seized sheaves, a dry rudder bearing or a worn wheel key also cause stiffness or play.

Stop now if

Steering suddenly fails, jams, or a cable shows broken strands or kinks. Rig the emergency tiller and get the boat safe before repairs. Don't sail offshore with steering that has broken strands or jumps sheaves.

The fix, in short

  1. Know where the emergency tiller is. Before you start, make sure you have and can fit the emergency tiller.

  2. Inspect the cables. Edson suggests running a cotton ball along the wire to find broken strands, called meathooks. Replace any cable with broken strands or kinks.

  3. Set cable tension. Edson's guidance is to tension until the cable no longer droops, then add about half a turn on each tensioner. More than that causes friction and early bearing wear. Lock the tensioners with their second nut.

  4. Check bearings and sheaves. With the cables slack or disconnected, turn the wheel and feel for roughness or play. Check each sheave turns freely and lines up with the cable.

  5. Check the rudder side. With the cables off, move the rudder by hand. A stiff rudder points to rudder bearings or the stuffing box rather than the steering gear.

  6. Lubricate as the maker says. Oil the chain and grease bearings with the products Edson or your maker specifies.

Written by Sailor Cruiser crew. General guidance, not an inspection of your boat.

Equipment involved

  • Steering: Pedestal wheel steering, chain and sprocket, wire cables, sheaves, quadrant or radial drive, rudder bearings and emergency tiller

Related guides

Sources

Background reading we checked while writing this answer. The wording above is our own.

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