Steering rod

[mlcatlopez]

Does anyone know what type of lubrication is best used for the steering rod that slides inside of the tilt tub?

 

[roscoe]

Re: Steering rod

The book says "OMC Triple Guard Grease".<br />Every 30 days in saltwater.<br /><br />Every 60 days in freshwater.

 

[Mila]

Re: Steering rod

Thanks for the information. In the past, I used grease and after a couple of time aout on the boat the steering rod would freeze up. Someone at the marine store recommended motor oil. I guess that would work too!

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: Steering rod

Is that OMC triple guard grease just basically wheel bearing grease? I usually use a light coating of wheel bearing grease and it always works fine.

 

[mlcatlopez]

Re: Steering rod

I'll try both applications and see what works best. Thanks for your input.

 

[Distress_signal]

Re: Steering rod

Up until recently, I used light grease also, but due to the area that I now live in, it is very windy and dusty. I have now gone to using no grease what so ever. Dirt and grease make a really gummy mess. Now all I do is whipe down the steering rod with a little 3 in 1 oil After each run to help prevent corrossion. Believe it or not, Since started doing this, steering has gotten even better.<br /><br />Distress

 

[Walker]

Re: Steering rod

If there are any threads sticking out the best thing to do is get a "Steersman" nut to put on the tilt tube. It has an o-ring and a grease zerk. My cable is 10 years old this year and I can still push the motor side to side by hand.

 

[jimchere]

Re: Steering rod

I get a can of marine grade wheel bearing grease. Re-pack the wheel bearings on the trailer..the res of the can is for my steering pushrod/tilt-tube.<br />And like Walker, I put on the nut/seal with a zerk fitting for in season use. Part of my winterizing is to pull out the cable and clean the inside of the tilt-tube. even if I hadn't done it last year, I think it would still be fine. Nonetheless, don't let your steering rod sieze inside the tilt tube. BTDT, it sux Edit: After I flush the motor on the muffs when I get back from a day on the water, I turn the motor to one side, wipe off the old grease, turn the other way, repeat, then put on new grease,turn motor, repeat.

 

[bollard]

Re: Steering rod

I would suggest the OMC Triple Guard grease (blue stuff). Regular automotive grease as well as generic marine greases will eventually harden and nearly turn to cement in warm salt-air environments. For whatever reason, the OMC grease does not seem to harden as badly. Been there done that! Don't let axle grease anywhere above the trailer!