steering problem

[stitch72]

my steering seemed to be frozen on my 1988 force 125. I disconnected the teleflex cable from the engine, and then the steering wheel turns fine, as the cable itself moved freely. The tube that the cable goes into has a rod that moves in and out, moving another rod that is connected to the engine. The rod inside the tube i am guessing is frozen up?? What can i do? When i reconnect the cable in the rear, the steering is locked up again...........

 

[OBJ]

Re: steering problem

Hey stitch..welcome to iboats.<br /><br />From your post, your saying that when you connect the steering link back to the engine, you can't turn the steering wheel? Did you try moving the engine with the steering link disconnected? If the steering cable ram is moving back and forth freely with the steering link disconnected, then the problem is with the engine swivel tube. Could you tell me if I'm reading your post correctly?<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[CHARGER]

Re: steering problem

sounds like the swivel tube is seased most likely with solidified grease, try putting new grease in via the grease nipples and if this still doesnt work unfortunately the proper way too fix it is to pull bulk head off and free up the tube. I have this problem with my outboard

 

[Oldsaltydog]

Re: steering problem

You could try to remove the old grease from the tilt tube, after taking a nut off, with a piece of wire and WD40. Do not put any more grease in there (it will harden again) but apply marine gear oil as best as you can and reapply it fairly often. To unfreeze the steering movement, rock the MOTOR left and right.

 

[stitch72]

Re: steering problem

Originally posted by CHARGER:<br /> sounds like the swivel tube is seased most likely with solidified grease, try putting new grease in via the grease nipples and if this still doesnt work unfortunately the proper way too fix it is to pull bulk head off and free up the tube. I have this problem with my outboard

 

[stitch72]

Re: steering problem

OBJ,<br /> yes, you are reading the post correctly. I have gotten a few suggestions, but your input would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Stitch72

 

[OBJ]

Re: steering problem

Hi Stitch.....well, as Charger posted, if the swivel tube is locked up, the only real way to make it right is to tear it down, clean the tube out and reassemble with new lube. Yes, this will mean pulling the power head to get to it. Not a happy job but you can't drive in a straight line all the time.<br /><br />Have you tried turning the engine with the steering link disconnected? Any movment at all? What kinda' water you boat in, fresh or salt?