Hard steering

[georgep]

hi everybody hope you can help .<br />I found it hard to steer my boat last weekend and when I got home I decided to investigate . After i removed the cable from the motor I tested to steering from the steering wheel and moved quit easily . I then went to the motor and found that I could barely move the motor side to side so obviously the pivot mount for the motor is to tight or no lubrication . My question is-<br />why isnt there any grease nipples on the mount plate for greasing the pivot ,there just isnt any at all . and how can I do this myself .<br />My motor is a Johnson 70hp ( 70TLES ) 90 mod I think .Its a real pain to drive as I have to struggle with both hands to steer .

 

[angus63]

Re: Hard steering

Look under the trailer rest swivel bracket for a zirc fitting for the steering pivot.<br />Pump it good until fresh grease oozes from top and bottom.<br />Welcome aboard and good luck

 

[blacktip18]

Re: Hard steering

I posted a similar topic just yesterday. I have a '96 88hp SPL. I had a zirc fitting on the pivot bracket, but didn't seem to be getting it done. So I added another one. I will say though, even after pumping both fittings full of grease mine is still tight. (The reason I made the post). The fine gentleman here gave me some suggestions that I haven't tried yet. Look down the page for my post "tight steering on 1996 88 spl". Best of luck.

 

[ED21]

Re: Hard steering

Besides greasing many outboards have a friction adjustment(mostly tiller steered I think).<br />If grease has dried & hardened, it may take a while to break it up & get good grease to flow in. Spraying in a solvent like liquid wrench or pb blaster may help soften the dried grease & allow it to flow out.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Hard steering

We've always used heat. Once you get the old grease to soften up you can force it out with the new.

 

[georgep]

Re: Hard steering

How embarassing<br />I had another look at my johnson today after getting off the phone with the previous owner<br />( outboard mechanic )and he told me where to find the grease nipples . Well I found them and tried to put in some marine grease . I found that the grease came out after emtying half the greasegun in there and only came out the bottom . Am I to assume now that the grease at the top of the pivot has dried up and wont let the new grease threw . I did try to turn the steering wheel and was easier to turn but still need both hands to turn ........