Bravo 3 steering cable stuck in housing

[nigb]

My steering has jammed bravo 3. I have undone nut securing cable to power steering assembly but I can't pull cable out as it appears the rod is stuck in housing (circled in pic). I am going to soak it in penetrant. Is it ok to gently tap end of rod to try & free it up?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... caused by a lack of grease,......
Be very careful tapping on it, it'll mushroom the end quite easily,....

 

[Fun Times]

Did you pull out the clevis pin at the other end too?
With the pin out try turning the steering wheel to bring in the cable end to make it as short as possible which helps you pull on/out the cable as sometimes it can be tight getting it out on the starboard side of the boat.

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1996 4.3 Mercruiser Power Steering Help

I am all out of ideas. The steering wheel is still extremely hard to turn and I have done the following in efforts to rectify the issue: Replaced steering actuator and steering pump. I have removed cotter pins and steering wheel turns freely with no effort. I'm able to move the outdrive...

forums.iboats.com

 

[nigb]

Did you pull out the clevis pin at the other end too?
With the pin out try turning the steering wheel to bring in the cable end to make it as short as possible which helps you pull on/out the cable as sometimes it can be tight getting it out on the starboard side of the boat.

View attachment 403240​

1996 4.3 Mercruiser Power Steering Help

I am all out of ideas. The steering wheel is still extremely hard to turn and I have done the following in efforts to rectify the issue: Replaced steering actuator and steering pump. I have removed cotter pins and steering wheel turns freely with no effort. I'm able to move the outdrive...

forums.iboats.com

Thanks for reply. Yes I have removed clevis pin. Steering wheel still locked. If corrosion in tube seems to be the issue surely l have to free stuck cable end? I am assuming cable end is normally a slide fit in aluminium tube which is why I could tap it out with a bit of brass.

 

[Bt Doctur]

you can try but if its seriously corroded up in the tube the only option is cut the cable and remove the ps assembly and use high heat on the tube

 

[Lou C]

I think that’s what you’re going to have to do, remove the P/S actuator. If you have access it’s not easy but do-able. I removed the exhaust on both sides. Was there a water leak in that area? Looks to be a bit more corrosion than typical.

 

[nigb]

Thanks for the advice guys. Gently tapping cable end with a brass drift & plenty of wd40 got it out. It appears the last inch or so of the tube is a smaller so once I got past that it fell out. Pushing cable end back & forth with more wd40 freed it up completely. What do you use for lube waterproof grease?

 

[Bt Doctur]

monthly smear by hand once a month on the rod itself while someone turns the helm in and out
ANY KIND OF GREASE
just looked up close at the photo and definitely something leaking water there ,

 

[Lou C]

Yep there’s def some kind of leak there. I like Evinrude Triple Guard for sliding surfaces it sticks like crazy. As close to waterproof as you can get. A close 2nd and good for wheel bearings, gimble bearings & ujoints is Lucas Marine grease, this is a blue calcium sulfonate grease that’s a step up from the normal lithium complex greases.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... For non-roller-ball-needle bearings, I use Quicksilver 2-4-C grease,.....

 

[kenny nunez]

It looks like water is draining over the area probably from the engine hatch. Try to seal the area or make a shield to direct the water past the steering system.

 

[nigb]

Thanks everyone steering back to normal. About 18 months ago seawater pump sprung a leak & sprayed Saltwater mist everywhere & rust appeared. I need to go round with rust converter & paint. Boat has been a bit neglected as I have been overseas a lot this year.