Steering Extremely Stiff on my '84 Ranger Bass Boat

[PaulDskier]

I have a '84 Ranger w/ a 150HP Mercury. The steering was very tight when I bought it 2 years ago. Last year I greased every fitting I could find on the motor and steering. It seemed to help some, but I felt it should be much looser. Now it's even worse.. It takes everything I have to get it to move at all. <br /><br />Any suggestions? pauldskier@aol.com

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Steering Extremely Stiff on my '84 Ranger Bass Boat

Hi <br />try removing the cable from outboard. Slide a piece of heater hose over cable and clamp in place. Fill hose with WD-40 or penetrating oil. Force oil into cable with shop air. This may take a few minutes to make it through. Wear safety glasses incase the air nozzle pops off and sprays you in the eyes! <br /><br />

 

[Ranger354]

Re: Steering Extremely Stiff on my '84 Ranger Bass Boat

Paul, Sent you an email. You may have to replace the cable. I would disconnect the motor from the steering cable first. Check to see how each of them moves independently. I remember fishing a turny in the late 70s with my father. The steering seized and we had to use vicegips to get us back. Not fun with an 85hp!

 

[Ranger354]

Re: Steering Extremely Stiff on my '84 Ranger Bass Boat

Schematic<br /><br />I thought I had good reply til yours popped up before mine with drawings and stuff. You guys are awsome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!