Steering cable stuck

[rebars1]

1990 Johnson 60hp Teleflex rotary steering cable. The boat was not used for about 4 months and now the steering rod passing through the engine tilt tube is stuck. I have disconnected the engine and it pivots fine. I unbolted the starboard nut attaching the cable to the tube and the inner rod moves easily (limitted range) in and out when I turn the wheel. I have been pounding on the end of the stainless steel connection rod extending out the port side of the tube (that usually slides in and out) and have got it to move starboard about an inch or two, but it has not really broken loose.

Should I apply heat to the tube, or just keep pounding away and use a reamer to keep pushing it through?Seems like it should have broken loose by now.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Steering cable stuck

Do you have any grease zerk's on it ?? if so then pump some penetrating oil in there. Repeat process and move as much or as little as you can each way regularly. It could take quite a while (days or even a week) and many, many applications but it should come free in the end. Once free and moving nicely, start to pump fresh grease in there again and move each way often. If anything I over grease mine but it does keep the thing moving nicely.

 

[rebars1]

Re: Steering cable stuck

There are no zerts on the tube, only on the motor tilt brackets around the tube. I have been spraying the ends with penetrating oil, so I guess I will keep on working it.

 

[Les Robb]

Re: Steering cable stuck

Yep don't give up the ship after it starts moving clean the rod and keep applying the penetrating fluid. If the zerks are clogged, buy new ones at the dealers. Hopefully you'll get it freed up. My Evinrude sat for 7 years and I worked over 3 hours to finally get it loose.

Good luck

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Steering cable stuck

i usually just drive them out. do not hit rod directly, use a block of wood to protect the rod. when it get to the tube i use either a hardwood dowel or steel drift pin, to drive it on thur. the grease zerks on the motor only grease the tilt joint, not the steering. it is best to remove and clean the cable and tilt tube annually.

this is a nice item to have around, put in in the drill and keep the tube clean.
http://www.iboats.com/T_R_Marine_St...93958477--**********.221424673--view_id.40162

 

[rebars1]

Re: Steering cable stuck

Thanks TD for the info and link. The annual cleaning makes sense, especially in salt. What grease is recommended?

 

[rottie98]

Re: Steering cable stuck

I had the same trouble you are. I got my boat and it sat for 3 years and the steering was stuck. What i did was losened the steering cable at the steering shaft then i sprayed it with wd-40 and inserted grease into the fitting but no luck then hit it with a steel dowel until the whole steering asembly came out of the shaft then loaded it up with grease and put the steering assembly back and worked it in for about 30 minutes turning it left then right. it workes real good now. hope this helps a little.

 

[rebars1]

Re: Steering cable stuck

Finally got it out. Man, it was stubborn! I am in the process of cleaning out the tube. What grease should I use for re-assembly?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Steering cable stuck

i just use the same water proof i use on the wheel bearing. may not be right but has worked for me. i also use these, keeps a lot of crap out of the system. and you can, put grease in it.
http://www.iboats.com/Steering_Cable_Boot/dm/*******.793958477--**********.468005564--view_id.39716