steering grease fittings

[tntcoop]

Is there a right and wrong way to grease these fittings? I was told that the steering had to be turned one way or another to keep grease from getting behind the steering bar. I think it doesnt really matter about the motor swivel fitting.
http://www.coopscorner.com/misc/pontoon_grease_fitting.htm
Thanks for any advice.
tcoop

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: steering grease fittings

the top picture those are for the tilt joint, not steering cable. the 2 nd is for the motor swivel. you have to slide the steering rod out to grease.

 

[tntcoop]

Re: steering grease fittings

I should have noticed that myself. My steering was a little jumpy/jitterery and I assumed the fittings were for the steering. I hit the steering rod with scotch bright and a light film of 3n1 oil and it seems to be smoother. Is there a better way to grease the steering? I thought that if i put a coat of thick grease it would accumilate dirt and grime. Advice is welcome.
thanks tcoop

 

[Surfdancer]

Re: steering grease fittings

Put a sealed nut where the steering cable ram exits the tilt tube. There are sealed nuts (o-ring seal) available with fittings to oil your cable ram and part way up the cable. Do a search for "Steering Buddy". They go for about $30, which is one heck of a lot less than a new steering cable and labor!

There used to be a version out there with a zerk fitting, which allowed one to pump grease in with a high pressure grease gun. That's what I used to use on my salt water fishing boats. Heavy oil is better - lower steering effort than grease.

Be careful with scotchbrite! The abrasive particles tend to get into places where you don't want abrasion. Clean your steering ram real well (flush with WD40 or whatnot) to make sure you have cleaned all the abrasives off before installing one of these kits.

 

[cleat1]

Re: steering grease fittings

...Thanks, seaman.

I'll do the search and am sure I'll find it.

Regards
Cleat1

 

[lakerunner696]

Re: steering grease fittings

To keep my steering well lubed I do this 2 times a year. I use white lithieum grease. Every time you turn the wheel you spread the grease through the steering tube. In 30 years of boating I have never had a steering cable go bad.

On right side of engine I take the nut loose that holds cable in place

Pull back to bring the cable inside housing into view

Put as much grease as you can inside tube

Reverse order to finish