Steering problem,2001, Mercury 125 saltwater

[geep]

This is my first post, probably not the last. Can anyone direct me to a diagam of the portion of the steering cable mechanism mounted at the engine. Tis is a rack and pinion system. I would like to see how this goes together. The steering is stiff but when disconected from motor the motor pivots easily. Thanks in advance

[Bond-o]

Ayuh,... Where the cable end goes through the tilt tube, it's Corroded...
Pull the cable Out of the tilt tube, Clean it, Grease it,+ reassemble it...

[Shamus O'toole]

Like above stated..cable needs to be lubed.....just try not to use a petroleum based product...dries out the plastic surrounding the cable.

[rebars1]

Do not just squirt some WD40 on it. You need to pull the end out of the tube like Bondo wrote. To respond to your original question, try going to the Mercury Web site to see if they have an on-line parts diagram for your year and HP.

[geep]

Thanx, for the replies, The reason I asked for a schematic is because I don't know how the cable end is fastened, ergo, take it apart. I did draw it out as best I could and cleaned and re-lubed with some improvement.

[rebars1]

Did you loosen the nut on the starboard side of the tube and try the steering wheel with the motor disconnected?

If you go online to a place such as Crowley Marine you can click on your year, HP, and model number to get to the parts diagrams. The tilt tube is on the swivel brack diagram

[geep]

Thanks again for all the good advice. Tried most of them. I have decided to replace current rack & pinion with a rotary system (non-feed back) tomorrow. I am hoping this will solve all problems.