Is it possible to convert "No Feedback" to a standard setup?

[CDN27]

Good morning folks, this is my second post in quick succession but the question is relating to another setup entirely. I'm working on a Charger DL with a 200 XRi. The current steering setup is a Teleflex No Feedback helm with a single rack and dual cables. I have read that NFB is a bit dangerous at speeds as it makes it difficult to react to chine walk. On the other hand the boats owner has always hated the "dead spot" in the steering on turn in which I attribute to the NFB steering helm.

I have read that it may be possible to get rid of the NFB functionality and go back to a more traditional "feedback?" setup. I'd appreciate any insight and advice on this.

Thank you!

[XstreamVking]

If I remember the function of the nfb. (had it 20 yrs ago) It just holds the helm in one position when running. Doubt you can improve it. If you want a good steering system go hyd. The cable systems were good in their day but are now a very distant 2nd in a performance boat.

[CDN27]

At this point going hydraulic on the DL is a bit cost prohibitive, it just got a new motor and gauges so maybe next year!

[idvette]

It is possible from what I've heard. I was having a problem with mine locking up over 60mph. A member from fast boats canada contacted me regarding the makeup of the nfb steering hub. I just bought a ride guide setup, but apparently you can disassemble the hub and take out the "nfb" parts so it works like a regular dual cable setup.

[CDN27]

Just to follow up I was helped by a member of Fastboatscanada who gave me the courage to take the helm apart. I removed the 6 metal rollers inside the bell housing to effectively remove the no feedback functionality of the helm. Put it back together and it feels great. Play is very minimal and can likely be helped by some cable adjustment at the motor. Steering feel is linear and the "hump" to get over to get the cables moving is gone. Best part is this is reversible if ever needed or wanted.

[oldschoolnc]

Was the play at the helm increased by removing the rollers? I have a new system and it just feels funky to me, I'd rather fight the torque and not have "sticky" steering.......
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[nitro_rat]

You can also buy a used teleflex or morse dual cable helm on ebay. These come up often and cheap. Replacement cables are readily available.

[CDN27]

Was the play at the helm increased by removing the rollers? I have a new system and it just feels funky to me, I'd rather fight the torque and not have "sticky" steering.......


To be clear, in my experience, most of the play in the steering rack that causes your steering wheel to have a complete dead area is due to the rack and pinion gear. It makes some sense when you look at the mechanism that you may increase play slightly when removing the rollers. There may be a way to tighten things up again by getting rid of the spring action but I didn't venture down that path. When you remove the rollers in the helm your steering will be linear and will no longer feel sticky. In order to create steering action with a NFB helm you have to overcome the rollers and their springs, this force is 5lbs or so. Once you've gotten over this "hump" the steering feels linear until you stop turning the wheel. You can imagine that when chine walking you're constantly hitting that "hump" and having to overcome it while you turn a bit left, a bit right, left ,right...

[oldschoolnc]

I pulled the rollers out of mine today, it was easy. Play was not affected..... If you have a single rack dual cable set up IMO you can't remove any play with cable adjustment like a true dual rack system with opposing cables.... Sea star Pro Hyd. is the way to go, but I don't have the $1200. I've been 102mph last month with nfb but it was sketchy. It just felt like i was fighting the nfb while maintaining control. It's All good. Gonna try out a 32p Fri. Should be fun.. lol.
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