Steering Cable removal questions (115HP)

[dbm_nj]

I want to replace the steering cable but can't figure out how to remove it - so I hope you guys can answer a few questions.

1. If I remove the Steering Link Rod and undo the Cable Nut I am still not able to pull the steering cable out. I assume the cable is to move to the left as shown by my yellow line. Correct?

2. Do I have to remove the 2 Grease Seal Cap Nuts (my words - and only 1 can be seen in this photo), and what happens when I do remove them? (i.e. grease gets all over everything, parts fall out, etc...)

3. The other end of the steering cable is enclosed in my steering wheel box under the dash. There is a warning embossed on the box warning that opening the box might cause a loss of steering. Do I open it? And how is the cable attached inside?

I have been told that I need to remove the cable in order to see the length stamped on it - then I can order a new one.

This procedure shouldn't be difficult - but my first attempt left me confused.

Your help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Steering Cable removal questions (115HP)

I will usually need to lift the motor (unbolt and actually lift entire motor) in order to get enough room to get the cable out of the motor.

On many common rotary style steering boxes there will be a small bolt, pin, or clip that when pulled out will allow the outer, and inner cable assy to rotate out of the box.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Steering Cable removal questions (115HP)

What you call the grease seal cap nut is just a nylock nut (7/8"x13) holding the tilt tube in place. Don't remove them. The seal is an o-ring in the end of the steering tube, inside dia is 5/8". OD is 3/4" or 25/64" .

You remove the steering link. Clean up any burrs on the right end (as I view the pictue). Loosen the cable nut, and withdraw the cable.

That may not be as easy as saying it. The cable parts inside the tilt tube are rigid. The cable has to withdraw straight out the left side for that entire length. Usually that requires unbolting and swinging the engine by a lifting eye threaded into the flywheel.

If the steering was operational, it should easily withdraw. If it's stuck, odds are it's stuck inside the tilt tube. That takes much carefull persuation and penetrant.

Of course you have to remove the end of the cable under the dash. There's a sticky how-to on this site for that.

If the cable is sticky, but operates, you may be able to clean and relubricate it.

hope it helps
John