Mirage Drive Idler Cable

For the last few outings, I have noticed that my cable stretches each time out. I did add spacers (about 1/2 inch) and it still comes off.

Why does the cable stretch? Is it a sign of a problem or just old age of cables? The drive is about 4 years old and is maintained yearly by dealer. I do check it everytime time out as well and spray it down with water/wd40.

I figure I have about 2 more outings before I won't be able to tighten the nut.

The drive was upgraded from the old sprocket to the threaded v2 sprocket and to threaded turbo mast. I am confused in what idler cable is needed if it's the problem.

81212001 - 14 1/4
81211001 - 14 3/4
81203001 - v2 threaded both ends.

It sounds like the v2 one can fit a few different drives. How do you know if the 14 1/4 or 14 3/4 cable should be used.

_________________
John

Surprised at stretch each time out. That would not be normal. May indicate a failed wire inside the plastic coating?

The idler balances the loads and helps to prevent a snapping load on the chains at each change of pedal direction.

Which cable you use depends on the drums. Unless you have V2 drums... I'd guess 81212001 14 1/4"

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Matt,

Thanks. It stretched further each time I used it. I thought the cable was bad. Is the cable covered by the warranty?

I do not have the V2 drums just the original drums that came with it. It now makes sense. The v2 cable goes with the v2 drums. I guess drives older that 4 years use the 14 3/4 cable.

Is upgrading to v2 drums an good improvement? What are the benefits vs keeping my original drums? It would be great if cable was covered.

Thanks again.

John

_________________
John

There might be a wear point within the drive somewhere else - like a broken spine, that is causing the cable to appear lose - this I've seen before - I think you need to do a full inspection as to something possibly missed.

Cables are covered under warranty - but for a drive that old - might be time to upgrade some parts to freshen it up. See your dealer for help directly - hard thing to help with over the phone or Internet.

Warranty on parts is one year. New boats come with a hull and drive warranty of two years.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I looked in the product catalog. I see the spine listed as a part. I can't figure out what the spine looks like,

If it's broken, would I be able to see a crack or etc?

I do plan on bringing it to dealer. But, it would be nice to know befor going...

81181001 - spine

I wonder why a spine would break. Maybe getting new turbo fins. The nut to the idler cable did fall off on my first trip. The dealer said it must have backed off. It was serviced before first trip. I get an yearly tune-up done on it.

_________________
John

The spine is the main structure of the drive. There are a few possibilities, wear, crack... nothing that happens enough to say what it likely is.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

John,
Check the idler cable at all points of the miragedrive stroke.
Look for any narrowing. I had a similar problem that turned out to be a broken idler cable. It was difficult to see just where the stainless inner had broken.

I am a nut for preventative maintenance.
I have a 2009 Mirage Drive V2.
Does anyone know which length and part number is the right Idler Cable for that drive??
Thanks,
RickM46

The V2 parts are shown in the catalog... #81203001 V2 Idler Cable

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks Matt!!