Locked steering on my 1989 bass tracker

[Maneiac]

My steering is locked up on an old boat that sat for 10 years
I have an evinrude XP150
I have a twin cable teleflex rack system
If it matters I have a tilt able steering wheel
The motor rotates freely with the steering disconnected
I freed up both rods at the motor(they will move freely now by hand when disconnected)
Steering wheel will only turn 1/4 turn and the forward cable only moves an inch
The cable through the tilt tube doesn't move
Steering wheel is the same even with the cable ends disconnected.
I can rotate the front cable by putting a screwdriver in the bolt hole end about a 1/2 turn each direction and its springy
The cable through the tilt tube rotates freely clockwise forever, counterclockwise it will stop after awhile
Does this mean one of the teleflex cables are broken?
If so which one?
Is there any way to lubricate or use penetrating oil on the helm rack or pinion gear?
Thanks for your help
I have never worked on any of this before

 

[Maneiac]

Re: Locked steering on my 1989 bass tracker

Anyone with any suggestions since I am lost

 

[cr2k]

Re: Locked steering on my 1989 bass tracker

You can't lube the cable. Is the helm free with the cable unhooked? Best to just replace the cable or cable/helm assy. not that expensive and after all it is your steering and safety.

 

[Maneiac]

Re: Locked steering on my 1989 bass tracker

I removed the racks from the helm
When I did the wheel turns freely
Looks like the cables are toast
The cables and rack are one piece and are about $130 each
The helm turns freely and the teeth on the lower gear seems fine
The upper gear I can't see but the teeth seem fine when I run my finger over them
Should I just buy the cables with racks or do you think I should replace the helm also
The kit looks like about $475
Does the fact I have a tilt wheel matter in ordering a complete kit
There are no numbers on the helm casing
The cables say SSC12413 13 ft. Nov 87

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Locked steering on my 1989 bass tracker

Just buy the cables. I doubt you need a whole helm and the tilt helms are more money.

 

[Maneiac]

Re: Locked steering on my 1989 bass tracker

Thanks