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!

[Spunt Drag]

U might've kinked the tube somewhere, and it's not allowing the cable to slide freely when you tighten the nut.

[jabert]

I had thought of that, but looking through the tube, it appears to be straight. i guess it is possible for that tilt tube to be slightly bent and affect it that much?

I really don't want to pull that engine off the transom again!!

[jmarine]

the cable itself inside sometimes rust which under pressure can cause it to not move and I also have seen where right at the base where it is crimped at next to the nut if that crimp pinches the cable it can also make it hard to steer

[Spunt Drag]

Sounds like it's pinched but it's hard to say for sure.

[Elbert Chamblee]

My dual cable was hard to turn and the tube had grease but had rust scale and grit mixed with grease. Clean all the grease out first with kerosene or mineral spirits. I put a shotgun cleaning rod and a 20 gauge bore brush with a green scotchbrite pad on a drill and ran it till it was slick inside. On some boats you will have to remove the motor

[Feesherman]

Originally Posted by Elbert Chamblee

My dual cable was hard to turn and the tube had grease but had rust scale and grit mixed with grease. Clean all the grease out first with kerosene or mineral spirits. I put a shotgun cleaning rod and a 20 gauge bore brush with a green scotchbrite pad on a drill and ran it till it was slick inside. On some boats you will have to remove the motor

Grease is the devil. Everyone should clean the grease off of their steering parts and just use a good Teflon based oil. Also when ur boat is parked u should have the motor turned so that the entire steering rod is inside the tube. Especially if u r gonna leave the grease on it. Being exposed the grease will turn to concrete.

[marshrunner757]

Good tip Feesherman!

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