How does teleflex steering work

This original rotary design which include the Big-T and Safe-T helms is still best in terms of strength and efficiency, since there are usually only two gears. These helms have the drawback of requiring a fairly large round assembly behind the dash, since the steering shaft is located outside the cable drum, so they often cannot be installed in smaller, more crowded dashboards.

Planetary gear type: This alternative style uses three or more gears that mesh internally with the cable drum to move the core of the steering cable. They fit outboards up to V-4 size only. You can buy replacement rack helms and cables separately, or save money by ordering a mechanical steering kit from either Uflex or Seastar Solutions.

The rack and pinion helm includes a pinion gear fitted directly on the steering shaft that engages a rack gear in a tubular housing. Rack steering is the most efficient mechanical system for moving the cable, but its drawback is its width. Rack steering requires a long rack housing that cannot fit behind many dashboards. The primary difference between a rack and pinion and rotary helm is the form factor of the helm—how it fits in the space behind the mounting surface.

Rotary helms extend a few inches above and below the axis of the steering wheel, and a few inches in the opposite direction of the steering cable. On boats with very low dashboards, rotary helms may not have enough vertical clearance. Rack and pinion helms are long rectangular boxes extending about 1' away from the direction of the cable, but they are very compact vertically.

Faster gear ratios require fewer turns, but there is heavier helm pressure to offset engine torque. Tilt steering is not available for all systems.

If you have Teleflex rotary steering that was made after or rack steering made after , you probably only need to purchase a Tilt helm and Tilt mechanism. Determine which kind of Teleflex steering you have, then refer to the appropriate section of this catalog for Tilt Dash Module or Tilt Helm part number.

Tilt helms are offered for these Teleflex systems. Please see The Tilt Steering product pages, earlier in this catalog or contact Tech Support for assistance. Tilt helms have a special shaft to engage the Tilt mechanism; a non-Tilt helm cannot be used. Wheels in the 14in diameter range are used widely with mechanical steering systems. Any size wheel may be used so long as the helms recommended maximum wheel diameter is not exceeded and steering effort is acceptable.

Again, please note the maximum wheel diameter recommended for the helm. NOTE- For mechanical steering, please note the maximum wheel diameter listed for each product earlier in Mechanical Steering section of this catalog.

There are many ways to connect a steering cable to an engine, drive unit or rudder. For outboards, the most common connection method is fastening the steering cable to the engine tilt tube and attaching a link arm from the engines tiller arm to the cross-hole in the steering cables telescopic ram. Generally, it is best to replace what was originally installed with similar components whenever possible.

When that is not feasible in a mechanical steering installation, consider upgrading to SeaStar. The first step is to isolate the problem components 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 systems cable and helm, contact Teleflex or other manufacturer, if appropriate to obtain them. Also, have your engine and boat owners manuals handy. The following troubleshooting sequence is suggested, during which the steering wheel should remain on the helm.

Carefully disconnect the steering cable from the link arm, tiller arm or rudder post arm. 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. The amount of feedback is dependent upon the steering, propeller and the boat. Typically, the faster the boat is traveling, the greater the effort to maintain a straight course.

Helms and cables are not designed to be dismantled or serviced by the average boater. Repair parts are not available for helms, cables and cable connection kits. Always consult the manufacturer's literature and follow their recommendations. Hydraulic steering can be found on a wide variety of boats types and lengths. Hydraulic steering systems consist of a steering wheel, helm pump, hydraulic hoses, hydraulic cylinder with application-specific hardware that connects the cylinder to the boat's stern drive, outboard and inboard engines.

Helm pumps and hydraulic hose assemblies are not designed to be dismantled or serviced by the user. Replacement components are available for many older helm pumps, hydraulic hoses and fitting kits.

Engine Control Systems can be found on nearly every watercraft that relies upon an engine for propulsion. Mechanical Engine Control Systems consist of a lever control, control cables, engine connection kits with application-specific hardware that connects the cables to the engine throttle and transmission. Hydraulic Engine Control Systems provide a simpler method to synchronize multi-station remote station engine throttle and transmission controls.

Pliable, light weight nylon tubing is utilized in place of bulky mechanical cables. Electronic Engine Control Systems provide flexibility when it would be difficult or impractical to install multiple mechanical control stations.

If the run between stations is complex or long or if there are more than two stations on the boat, electronic engine controls would be the better choice. Controls and cables are not designed to be dismantled or serviced by the user. Repair parts are not available for controls, cables and cable connection kits. Need help or have questions? Click to call or chat with our Total Support Team. CLOSE 1. Login Shopping Cart.

The helm is a drop-in replacement for current generation Safe-T with no dash modifications required. Use dual cable system for boats with engine flutter or steering instability. The easy-to-sell, easy-to-install upgrade to the most popular Rack and Pinion steering system in boating. Teleflex has applied its patented No FeedBack technology to the incredible precision of a rack and pinion system, and engineered-in serious advances in steering comfort and control. NFB Rack single-cable systems are suitable for most single-station boats with a single non-power-assisted outboard engine up to V-6 and minimal engine flutter or steering instability.

The only Rack and Pinion steering system for the high performance boater. Teleflex combines its patented No FeedBack technology with the incredible precision and control of a dual cable rack and pinion system.

Now more than ever, NFB means performance! NFB Pro Rack systems are suitable for single-station, high performance boats equipped with a single non-power-assisted outboard up to V-6 in which engine flutter or steering instability is present.