Steering Problems

[Calif Bill]

Can anyone tell me how to remove the steering cable from a 2000 Honda 90 HP outboard. I loosened the nut on the motor, pulled the cable out some, but couldn't get the cable all the way out. Am I missing somesthig. I cleaned the shaft and the steering is still really stiff. The boat has been in saltwater and than sat for 4 years. I don't see any hard bends or kinks??????????????

 

[EricR]

Re: Steering Problems

You may have a frozen steering tube on the engine- I greased mine through the greaze zerk (this is not the tube the cable goes through, but the place the engine pivots on) but it was still very stiff. I had to use a torch to heat it up, actually burned the paint off but I got it free. It was the only way.

 

[MajBach]

Re: Steering Problems

You are likely experiencing the identical problem that I have. It's not the 'zerk' as someone else just referred to it - it's the cable itself. Don't try and pull the entire cable/tube out because the motor rests on it! Before they can come out you must first support the motor and take the weight off shaft. Once the cable/push arm reaches this point in stiffness, it is likely not usable as condensation has gotten inside and stiffened it up and there is no way to get lube in there. you're looking at around $200 and 4-6 hrs labour, depending on how much wiring is tie-strapped to the cable in all the hard to get at spots.

 

[Calif Bill]

Re: Steering Problems

Thanks for the response! I replaced the cable and life is good. Cost me 120.00 and 4 hrs labor. Thanks!