Cable steering help!

[jabert]

Hi all -

I recently removed my engine from the transom in order to rebuild the tilt/trim assembly and placed the engine back on and the steering is now extremely tight.

I removed the steering cable/rod from the tilt cylinder to separate the transom mounting bracket off of the engine. There wasn't a huge buildup of grease in the tube and the steering rod came out without any issues.

I can easily move the motor by hand so I know that isn't the issue.

With the steering rod through the tilt tube (without fastening the nut on the threads, turning the wheel is very easy and i can watch the rod move without hanging up.

As soon as i fasten the nut onto the tilt tube that holds the steering cable in place, it becomes impossible.

The steering rod looks straight and the bending radius shouldn't be an issue since it is roughly in the same position and works when that nut isn't tightened down on the threads....

Any ideas?? I can take some pics when I get home this evening but this is distracting the hell out of me at work!