Re: Please Help:Frozen Steering Cable
Chase I'm not sure I follow your terminology, but here's what I would do - Start by disconnecting the steering link that goes from the steering ram (the part that sticks out of the tilt-tube, usually on the port side) to the outboards steering arm. Next, completely loosen and back off the steering cable nut on the starboard side of the tilt-tube. I usually disconnect the steering cable at the helm too. If the steering ram is rusted inside the tilt-tube, you'll probably need a big hammer to persuade it to back out of the tilt-tube. If you're lucky, once you "break it free" it will go all the way. If you're not so lucky you may need to use a brass drift-pin (large diameter) to hammer it out the rest of the way. Make sure what ever you use for a drift-pin is a soft metal, or you could damage the tilt-tube. Once you've got the steering ram out of the tilt-tube, you'll have to clean the tilt-tube out thoroughly. I usually use a large "shotgun" brush on a cordless drill - squirt some spray solvent (like brake-cleaner) into the tube and run the brush back and forth through the tilt-tube, continually spraying bursts of solvent until you get it fairly clean of rust and old grease (yup, its messy - do what you can to contain the slop). Try and run long narrow strips of clean rag through to dry the tilt-tube out.<br /><br />To install the new cable, extend the steering ram and LIBERALLY grease the inner portion with a good quality water-proof marine grease (such as Evinrude/Johnson's Triple Guard Grease). Retract the ram and grease the outer portion, then install thru the tilt-tube. Tighten the hold down nut and re-install all the hardware. and stuff you previously disconnected.<br /><br />Good luck, I bet I know where you'll be most of the day tomorrow...<br /><br />Have fun,<br />-John
It will be a messy day.