Steer Tube Seal

[jwroblew]

Getting new steer cable for boat, I want to replace the seal at the back end of the steer tube when I put the new cable in. MC dealer is trying to make me pay $115 for the whole tube assy. all I need is the seal. does anyone know where I can get one?

[ShamrockIV]

seal???????????????

[JLeuck64]

I think you're interested in replacing the seal packing in the rudder port. But, newer designs don't use a rope seal any more. They are designed to have grease provide the sealing action. That's probably why your dealer was trying to sell you a new rudder port.

[cbryan70]

picture? im confused.

[sdesmond]

Are you talking about the sleeve that the steering cable goes through?

[jwroblew]

Yeah the sleeve the cable goes through, not the rudder housing. At the back end of sleeve there is a seal that keeps the water out and the grease in the cable. I can try and post pics tonight.

[Sodar]

I know what you are speaking of, however I believe that the "seal" is just an O-ring inside the tube. If the O-ring is bad, I would just yank it out and look for a replacement....

[sdesmond]

I would just try and replace the seal inside as well

[jwroblew]

The seal is not just an o-ring. The seal is molded to a piece of aluminum, the aluminum/seal is then pressed into the aluminum nut. I think I have got something put together but it would be nice if I could get the actual part. The aluminum/seal should only cost a couple of dollars.

[Sodar]

I am trying to picture the end of the steering tube and an aluminum peice is just not coming to mind... guess I am brain dead! :D

For what it is worth (probably nothing)... isn't the steering tube treaded? If so, could you put something like this seal on the end?

34235

[jwroblew]

that would be perfect, who makes it and what is the size etc. etc...

[Sodar]

Teleflex makes it... let me do some research.

I am starting to get what I am looking for:

http://www.livebaitlarry.com/knut.asp

[Sodar]

Another: http://www.discountmarinesupplies.com/Lubes_Fittings-SEACHOICE_STEERING_GUARDS-.html

[jwroblew]

I can't find any spec on those things, what is the inside diameter, and what size are the threads... I'll keep looking.

[Sodar]

I am virtually certain that it is a standard size. I believe all cables are the same size as well as the threads.

[the legend]

If Im correct you contacted Chicago MC and the support tube assembly is only available to us in the kit. Bring it in and I can take a look at it and try to repair it w/o selling you the entire kit. Or this is just coincidence and someone else has the same issue you do?!