Sticky steering

[TEXWAKE]

I have a 04' Malibu Wakesetter VLX and the steering seems to catch some friction some times while I turn it. I dont have that rudder adustment all the new boats have that prevents the rudder from turning right when you let go of the steering wheel (even if your not moving you can feel it sticking). I have put some grease in the top hub of the rudder but it does not seem to cure it. Do I need to replace the steering cable or is this just somthing I have to live with? How much is a steering cable going for these days?

Thanks!

[Sixball]

Yes it is likely you need a new steering cable.

[h2oskidude]

I have a 04' Malibu Wakesetter VLX and the steering seems to catch some friction some times while I turn it. I dont have that rudder adustment all the new boats have that prevents the rudder from turning right when you let go of the steering wheel (even if your not moving you can feel it sticking). I have put some grease in the top hub of the rudder but it does not seem to cure it. Do I need to replace the steering cable or is this just somthing I have to live with? How much is a steering cable going for these days?

Thanks!

Before you go and buy a new cable drop the rudder out and wipe all the old grease off the shaft and on the inside regrease and put back together. While you have the rudder unhooked turn the steering wheel and see if it is free. Good Luck

[WakingMeHappy]

Yes it is likely you need a new steering cable.

[jsaigh]

How much do steering cables run on average?

[Ndawg12]

Since it's been asked twice with no reply, I want to say they're around $150-200 but I'm not sure.

[Bill_AirJunky]

90 times out of a 100 it'll be the cable.

But it can also be the rack (behind the steering wheel) or the rudder bushing. You can disconnect the cable from both to try & isolate the problem & pin it down for sure.