Steering Frozen Alpha

[SteveRay]

I have a 92 Alpha Gen II and just got it back from storage and noticed that tha steering in REALLY stiff. It wasn't buttery smooth before storage however now it seems to be almost locked. In turning the steering wheel I seems to skip/slip a bit when turning it.
Unit is equipped with power steering by the way. Any thoughts? Steering cable???
Thanks in advance guys

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

Ayuh,....... The Cable would be My 1st Guess.........

Disconnect the Cable, at the Outdrive End,+ See if it's the Cable, or the Swivel Joints of the Drive..........

 

[Don S]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

99% of the time, the cable is froze in the tube on the transom shield or the power steering unit. Heat from a propane torch is what usually gets them freed up so you can take them apart and clean out the corrosion in the tube.

IF the picture doesn't show up, http://www.kpunet.net/~rainyday/Steering%20cable%20froze.png]Click here

 

[SteveRay]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

Bondo....Any special tools need for that? I am assuming not.
What's the difficulty of replacing a steering cabl for an Alpha? I have a lot of room back there since it is a bench seat where the entire hatch opens up for access.

 

[SteveRay]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

I am gonna give this a try myself gonna go flip through the steering section of the manual this afternoon.
What's the difficulty of a job like this?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

What's the difficulty of a job like this?

Provided there are No Stuck Fasteners,+ the Good Access you say you have,.........
It Should be a Piece of Cake............

 

[Don S]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

What's the difficulty of a job like this?

Depends on the access room you have and what is actually wrong with it.
Did you look at my picture?

 

[SteveRay]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

Yeah I did look it. I am hoping a can get that pin out since I don't have a torch. If it gets to that level I will bring it to the shop.
Whats the best way to clean that tube?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

Whats the best way to clean that tube?

Are you a Hunter,..??..??.....
A Cleaning Brush for a .50cal Blackpowder Rifle, or a Shotgun would be Just About Right...........
That,+ some Solvent or Penetrating Oil.......

 

[SteveRay]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

Not a hunter but my father is so I know exactly what your talking about.
Also while I am at it whats the best way to get to that zerk fitting on the steering ram? I can never get a conventional grease gun in there so now I am feeling guilt that this is the reason my steering froze

 

[Don S]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

Go to NAPA and get a hose for your grease gun.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

Ayuh,........

Those Hoses come in 12", 18",+ 24"...........
And,.....
This is Another Time when Longer IS Better.......

 

[SteveRay]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

Do they sell different angled tips?
The problem is that there is not enough clearance on top to get the hose in there. I imagine a 90 degree fitting would work.

Thanks guys!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

Grease Zerts come in Straight, 45* angles,+ 90* angles.......

In 1/4" /20,+ 1/8" pipe threads......

Change the Zert,....And add a Hose to your Grease Gun......

 

[SteveRay]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

Alright guys...Got the pin out and was able to move the steering only slightly easier. My guess it the cable is "gummed up like you had indicated.
Before I go further I want to know what else I should be disconnecting.
In Don's picture there is a a section labled "steering cable with three arrows. The arrow to the right points at a nut of sort.
Should I be loosening that to remove the cable completely out of that tube? The end of the canble really isn't a cable is it? Kinda looks like a shaft?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

In Don's picture there is a a section labled "steering cable with three arrows. The arrow to the right points at a nut of sort.
Should I be loosening that to remove the cable completely out of that tube? The end of the canble really isn't a cable is it? Kinda looks like a shaft?

Ayuh,........... You Got It..........

 

[Don S]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

You want to leave it hooked up till you get it freed up some, or you never will get it out of the tube.
Just leave the cable nut attached and heat the tube. Spay some lube on it as it begins to start moving. Have a helper hold some pressure on the wheel while you heat it. Don't force it so hard you brake something, let the heat do the work.
Then once you get it freed up to where it will come apart, back off the big nut on the cable (Hold the tube with a wrench, there are flats on it.) and pull the cable out and clean the tube and the cable. Grease it up and put it back together.

 

[SteveRay]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

Great info Don!
I actually was able to move the wheel before I took the pin out but it was really tight! So as it stands right now I am at work and will be tackling this after work again!
I am going to romve it from the tube and clean with a good solvent and put it back together.
I have three more questions:
1.)What solvent do you recommend?
2.)What type of lube/grease for the cable, regular maring grease?
3.) How long should this last, will I be replacing the cable in the near future? Should I just get a new cable now? What is involved in removing the cable from the steering wheel? Is a puller needed?.
Can't express how thankful I am for all your help!
I tried looking on Teleflex's webpage but there are no directions there

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

IF the Problem is Just in the Tube at the Transom,.....
A Cleaning,+ Greasing will probably Cure it for a Long Time to Come......

IF the Cable between the Helm,+ transom is Dragging,......
Replace the Whole Thing......

For the Price of a New Cable,.... A Complete Helm,+ Cable is only a few Bucks More.......

As For Which Grease,...... 2-4-C would be My 1st Choice,..... Other than that,... See my Signature......

 

[SteveRay]

Re: Steering Frozen Alpha

Alright...last question hopefully.
Should I be removing the tube to clean it? If so what's the best way to get it off?
I think I am making progress