I've got a 2000 registered Bayliner Capri, with a Mercury Force 120hp outboard.
On the configuration on my boat, the rear steps do not allow sufficient space to remove the cable from the tilt tube so, i used my multi-tool to cut a small hole in the GRP, to allow me to fully remove the cable (as you can see in the photo). I will re-fit with a larger collar, to cover the hole.
The cable and tube were REALLY dirty (caked in old grease and salt deposits, now resembling wet mud, with a similar consistency (also similar to cookie mixture)) - they evidently haven't been cleaned in years - probably due to the reason the tube couldn't be removed unless by a) removing the outboard or b) creating a hole to fit the nut on the arm through.
- the outboard swings easily on it's mount - i can even move it with 1 finger.
- Even though the cable is now removed, it is still super tight so, the problem is 100% the cable.
I have cleaned up the arm fully extended and run through 10 or so complete revolutions and added grease -> it seems like there is a lot of this wet and muddy sand mixture inside the actual tube that extends, as a little bit keeps getting pushed out each time.
The steering is a little lighter but, still VERY heavy compared to a boat with a 1 year old cable.
- It is rack and pinion steering - how would i grease the rack and pinion? Is it likely to even be this? When turning the wheel, you can feel and hear the cable pulling
- Is it possible to disassemble the extending arm, to clean out all the crud?
- is it time to just replace the cable? (I have easy access and think i could do this job within an hour) Would i need to buy the rack and pinion as well or, just the cable? Would a rotary be better than rack and pinion?
On the configuration on my boat, the rear steps do not allow sufficient space to remove the cable from the tilt tube so, i used my multi-tool to cut a small hole in the GRP, to allow me to fully remove the cable (as you can see in the photo). I will re-fit with a larger collar, to cover the hole.
The cable and tube were REALLY dirty (caked in old grease and salt deposits, now resembling wet mud, with a similar consistency (also similar to cookie mixture)) - they evidently haven't been cleaned in years - probably due to the reason the tube couldn't be removed unless by a) removing the outboard or b) creating a hole to fit the nut on the arm through.
- the outboard swings easily on it's mount - i can even move it with 1 finger.
- Even though the cable is now removed, it is still super tight so, the problem is 100% the cable.
I have cleaned up the arm fully extended and run through 10 or so complete revolutions and added grease -> it seems like there is a lot of this wet and muddy sand mixture inside the actual tube that extends, as a little bit keeps getting pushed out each time.
The steering is a little lighter but, still VERY heavy compared to a boat with a 1 year old cable.
- It is rack and pinion steering - how would i grease the rack and pinion? Is it likely to even be this? When turning the wheel, you can feel and hear the cable pulling
- Is it possible to disassemble the extending arm, to clean out all the crud?
- is it time to just replace the cable? (I have easy access and think i could do this job within an hour) Would i need to buy the rack and pinion as well or, just the cable? Would a rotary be better than rack and pinion?