Did my buddies Steering Cable get messed up???

[JBsteelie]

I was helping a friend grease the steering cable on his Outboard after having difficulty with an almost frozen steering cable. We had success in freeing the steering, removing the old grease, and reapplying fresh 2-4-C lubricant to these parts and it now steers 100% better. But while removing the Main Steering Nut, it looks like it seperated from the metal sleave along the cable. I can't remember if it was attached initally, but now it is not. Is this a huge issue?? It seemed to steer fine and work properly in his driveway, but don't want an issue on the water underpower. I attached a picture I found online (not mine), to show you what I'm talking about.

Thanks in Advance,
Jake B.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Did my buddies Steering Cable get messed up???

Yes, that nut must be attached to the motor.

Don't know what you greased or freed up.

Usually if the cable is seized, it is shot.

The tilt tube on the motor (the steering cable goes through it) often gets plugged up with old hard grease, dirt, and rust.

You need to remove the cable and clean it out, re-grease, and install cable, ATTACH the nut.

There is also a kingpin, swivel in the motor itself, that can get seized up.

 

[JBsteelie]

Re: Did my buddies Steering Cable get messed up???

We were able to to remove the steering cable from the tilt tube (steering tube) clean the old crud off and reapply new grease with no problems. The main steering nut is able to tighten to the motor securely. I guess my question is the main steering nut suppose to be attached to the metal sleeve that runs along the cable going towards the steering wheel? In the picture attached, right at that yellow arrow, is that metal sleeve suppose to be attached/welded to the nut?

 

[82rude]

Re: Did my buddies Steering Cable get messed up???

no.usually that nut is secured to the metal tube by a flange.like a steel brake line fitting.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Did my buddies Steering Cable get messed up???

i've freed "seized" steering cables many times and used them for years; they are not "shot."

 

[roscoe]

Re: Did my buddies Steering Cable get messed up???

no.usually that nut is secured to the metal tube by a flange.like a steel brake line fitting.

Correct, nut needs to spin or you can't tighten it up.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Did my buddies Steering Cable get messed up???

i've freed "seized" steering cables many times and used them for years; they are not "shot."

Maybe the question here is what is the definition of "seized " ?

For me, it means the cable will not move inside the sleeve.

Or maybe the question is why have you had seized steering cables many times?

Then there is the legal definition of seized. Perhaps the cables were seized by the courts, and you were able to get them released.

 

[Outsider]

Re: Did my buddies Steering Cable get messed up???

Or maybe the question is why have you had seized steering cables many times?

It's not a question to those near saltwater and have a boating season longer than 3 months ... :lol:

 

[JBsteelie]

Re: Did my buddies Steering Cable get messed up???

no.usually that nut is secured to the metal tube by a flange.like a steel brake line fitting.

Thanks for the replys and the legal advise . I'm pretty sure this answered my question above and am glad the steering cable didn't get messed up.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Did my buddies Steering Cable get messed up???

Just to clarify The nut should spin freely on the end of the cable but it should not come off of the flange. If there is a visible space between the nut and the flange where you can see the cable inside it is broken and needs to be replaced. If the flange does not pull away from the nut when operating the steering it is ok.