Steering problem

[kizzie 3]

Hi,
we have a 1700 bowrider bayliner, 1988 - 85 HP Force outboard motor. (sorry don't have serial number for that )

the boat has cable steering...that has become very hard to steer...you have to work really hard to turn the steering wheel , one way or another. we have made sure all the linkages have been greased , and what we can , we have sprayed around the steering area.. but that has not helped...
any ideas as to how to loosen it up, the boat ususally ends up being stored outside on the trailer with a cover over it.
any thoughts or ideas would be welcome
thanks

 

[Scottimus]

Re: Steering problem

I had the same issue, ended up buying a new steering system, everything works great now!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Steering problem

First disconnect the steering link from the cable end at the engine. Now try to turn the engine by hand. If it turns freely, the cable is no good either buy a new cable or a whole helm assembly.

If the engine turns really hard. then the kingpin and yoke assembly is corroded. No amount of greasing will free it.

It is a big job but you must disassemble the yoke and drive out the kingpin then clean everything well and sand the plastic bushings so the kingpin fits inside it smootly. BIG PIA job. Search for this topic on the Force forum.

You had better hope it is your cable

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Steering problem

If you aren't up to all that mechanics, Teleflex is the supplier of most of these and they are superb. You can go on line and set up a dialogue.

My steering went south in about 4 years in fresh water because the boat builder brought the cable out of the "hold" too close to the engine and kinded the cable.

Numbers for them are within 3 feet of one end of the cable....the sheath is black and the printing is white.......last numbers are length in inches.

They are superb people to deal with.....they actually gave me my replacement because my boat mfgr. messed up on his design.

Not that you don't have corrosion issues at the engine that might be corrected with lube, if you disconnect from the engine and still have resistance....time to re cable.

HTH

Mark

 

[Fed]

Re: Steering problem

I've had great success in freeing up stuck swivels with heat, grease and of all things a grease gun loaded with penetrene.
Not too sure about the heat in your case as Frank mentioned plastic bushes.
Another thing I've found is grease pouring out the bottom of the swivel but dry as a bone at the top, I blocked the bottom off with tightly bound strips of rag to force the grease to go up the tube.
Anyway, disconnecting is the way to go to find out exactly where the problem is.
DON"T force it with the steering wheel as you will break the helm.

 

[kizzie 3]

Re: Steering problem

thanks for the helpful info. my brother did disconnect the cable from the engine, and the engine turned easily. So it looks like the cable needs replacing. how hard a job is that to do? Is it easily done by a lay person, or should a professional be brought in to do the job?
thanks

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Steering problem

FYI as a last resort--on my brothers 70s bass boat the steering cable went out 10 miles from the ramp- I tied a boat paddle to the side of the cowling and "Tiller Steered" as brother worked the throttle. RED NECKS RULE!

 

[Fed]

Re: Steering problem

The cable may still be good kizzie, if it goes through the tilt tube it could be gummed up in there.