Teleflex Rack Steering

Teleflex Rack Steering for Outboard and Sterndrive Boats

Teleflex has long been a leading name in mechanical marine steering, and its rack and pinion systems are among the most recognized in the category. Rather than a rotary helm that turns a cable directly, a rack steering helm uses a pinion gear that engages a pre-assembled rack and cable. This reduces steering effort and gives the wheel a precise, comfortable feel. The Teleflex rack steering lineup, now marketed under the SeaStar name, covers complete kits and replacement cables for a wide range of boats. For a broader look at the brand, visit the Teleflex brand page, or compare options across the full Rack Steering category.

The Rack: Back-Mount Design

The flagship product line is "The Rack," a back-mount rack and pinion system. It is designed for single-station sterndrive and outboard boats with power-assisted steering, and it installs from behind the dash. The current version replaces older Teleflex "The Rack" steering systems made from 1984 to the present without dashboard modification. The SS141 series features a four-turn lock-to-lock helm and a 3/4" tapered keyed shaft for wheels up to 16". It is generally matched to outboards up to 75 HP that have a tilt tube and link arm. Complete kits include the helm, bezel, cable and hardware.

NFB and Dual Cable Options

For higher-horsepower outboards, Teleflex offers NFB ("No Feed Back") rack systems. These lock out propeller torque that would otherwise be felt at the wheel, and they are built to meet NMMA certification requirements and ABYC safety standards. The NFB Rack series is rated for engines up to 150 HP and speeds around 50 MPH. For heavier-duty applications, the Dual Rack series uses two cables and is intended for engines up to 300 HP at speeds of 55+ MPH. Dual-cable setups also help with boats that experience steering instability from engine flutter.

XTREME Replacement Cables

The XTREME rack and pinion cables, also referred to as TFXtreme, are designed to reduce steering effort, especially at long lengths. They can directly replace the standard SSC134 and SSC154 series cables and work with the matching rack steering systems and helm and bezel kits. Standard SSC134 cables are sold in one-foot increments, so you can match the length of your existing run.

Shopping Considerations

• Cable length: Measure from the center of the rack, where the gear is visible, to the end of the stainless steel shaft that connects to the link arm.
• Power assist: Standard Rack systems suit power-assisted steering, where an NFB system is not recommended. For non-assisted engines, consider an NFB Rack.
• Dash fit: For new installations, confirm the rack will fit behind your steering wheel before ordering.
• Mounting pattern: Verify that the rack-to-helm bolt centers match your existing setup when replacing a cable.

Whether you are refreshing a worn helm on a runabout or replacing a long cable on a bass boat, Teleflex rack steering offers a proven, serviceable solution backed by decades of marine steering experience.