steering lubrication

[js361]

My motor (95/90hp johnson) squeaks a little when steering, so I put marine grease on the horizontal shaft (unsure what the part is exactly called, but I'm sure those experienced w/ repairs know what I'm refering to) anyways I noticed 2 zercs (spelling?) on the front of the cowling, atop this "steering shaft"....I checked it in my manual & it says steering lubrication, Dealer performed service......isn't it as easy as just hooking up a grease gun & filling? What am I missing here? Should I really pay someone to do this, or can I just do it myself? It even says in the manual it takes marine grease......

 

[DJ]

Re: steering lubrication

Those two zerks are for the motor up/down pivot point, which happens to be the steering cable tube.

Unfortunately, any grease put into those zerks does not reach the steering cable.

The cable must be greased by removing it and applying gease to the cable itself.

The vertical pivot point, as you mentioned, also has a grease zerk. Make sure you grease that.

 

[F_R]

Re: steering lubrication

If you've ever had one of those steering tubes sieze, you'd know that the time to lube it is now. As said, it has to be taken apart and clean the rust and crud out of the tube before reinstalling the cable with waterproof grease. Once it siezes good and tight it's nearly impossible to do. Spoken by an old salt-water guy.

 

[Walker]

Re: steering lubrication

Go to this thread http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=28;gtid=1116999
Some info on a product that will keep your steering cable free for years.
http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=28;gtid=1116999

 

[js361]

Re: steering lubrication

So, is it futile to put grease in the zerks, even just for maintainance?

 

[Walker]

Re: steering lubrication

Its not futile. It keeps pivot points lubed but it does nothing for your steering caBLE.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: steering lubrication

I would not recommend using a heavy marine grease on the steering cable. In cooler weather, it will make the steering stiff. A white lithium grease like a 2-4-c grease would be preferable. Most cables are not made to be greased (ride guide cables excepted) so you will have to grease it manually by working the grease into the cable by moving the cable back and forth. A slow process. You may be unhappy with the final result and find that it is just easier to buy a new cable. The two zurks on the steering pivot tube take the heavy, waterproof grease calle Triple Guard.

 

[wellsc1]

Re: steering lubrication

I use lithium grease on everything, particularly the steering rod through the pivot tube. I've two siezed steering rods becuase of wax-based grease. Both times, it took PB Blaster to free it up. Also consider a Maxi-Lube nut with a grease zerk to ease your maintenance.

Oh yes, keep the pivot tube greased regularly too.