1996 115 Ocean Runner steering shaft bushings

I have a 1996 115 OceanRunner with about 390 hours on it. I bought the boat and motor used. It was used mostly in saltwater, then sat for 5-6 years. The previous owner stated he just replaced the steering cable as the previous one was frozen up. My problem is very hard steering. When the motor is out of the water, it can steer with my fingers, but when on plane the boat is has very stiff steering. I have to use two hands to crank the wheel. I have grease pouring out of the steering shaft bushings and weep hole. Are my steering shaft bushings shot and need to be replaced? And if so, does the head and lower have to be removed to replace these parts? Thank you for your help and below are a few pictures of where the grease is coming out of the bushings on the steering shaft.

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Here is an exploded parts diagram, can anyone confirm that I will need Parts
24 4 3 6 and 8?

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Re: 1996 115 Ocean Runner steering shaft bushings

remove the steering cable from the motor (at the end of the steering arm) and make sure the motor swings freely back and forth, if it does (and I suspect it will) you do not need to replace any bushes, does the steering pull to one side when running?

Re: 1996 115 Ocean Runner steering shaft bushings

On the trailer and at idle, it spins freely but when under power it get very tight. It doesnt pull to one side or another. I was thinking if the bushings are shot ( the reason grease is spilling out constantly) when under power, it is pushing the steering shaft at an angle of more or less than 90 degrees in the houseing, thus binding up. I've heard that alot of people forget to wash that area down, salts builds up in there and eats up the bushings. But I'm open to any ideas that come up. Just trying to get some kind of consensus.

Re: 1996 115 Ocean Runner steering shaft bushings

Lip, You should be able to test for the play in the bushing, motor out of the water and pull on the gearcase. If you see excessive (I would think more than 3/8") play, you may need to replace bushings.

Post back on what you find.

Re: 1996 115 Ocean Runner steering shaft bushings

Good idea. I'm guessing that I can do that a bit easier when it's on the trailer. I'll get some help from my neighbor to push and pull on the gearcase while I am looking for movement on the steering shaft and report back.