Hard Steering

[Keith505]

Ok here we go, 1997 Sea Ray 175 with a 1997 merc 115, Steering is super hard ,previous owner had steering cable changed. Here is what I have done to trouble shoot. disconnected the steering linkage from the motor. I can turn motor by hand and it turns Fairly Easy, with linkage disconnected steering wheel turns super easy and steering tube slides thru the steering tube on the motor like butter but as soon as I connect the linkage up it is hard to turn. have greased the crap out of vertical tube that the motor turns on and also the tube that the steering rod slides thru, I have no idea what else there is to check.

 

[GA_Boater]

Welcome aboard,

You say the PO changed the steering cable. Did he change the steering helm? Are there any tight loops or kinks in the cable?

 

[Keith505]

I have no idea if they changed the steering at the helm, when I unscrew the tearing cable from the motor and disconnect the linkage, the steering wheel turns with ease. It's when I hook the linkage from the motor to the steering rod that's when it gets super stiff and hard to steer.

 

[alldodge]

I have no idea if they changed the steering at the helm, when I unscrew the tearing cable from the motor and disconnect the linkage, the steering wheel turns with ease. It's when I hook the linkage from the motor to the steering rod that's when it gets super stiff and hard to steer.

How hard is it to move the motor by hand without the cable installed? If it is, its probably the pivot pin

 

[Keith505]

Well with nothing to compare it too, it seems to turn by hand rather easily. But when I hook the linkage back up its hard to turn at the motor and from the wheel

 

[alldodge]

If I understand correctly, if the linkage is disconnected only at the motor, the steering wheel and the motor can be turn easy. Turn the steering wheel in both directions and the cable moves in and out. The motor can be turned easy also.

Connect the linkage up to the motor and it's had to turn. If this is the case, can you take a pic of the motor and linkage?

 

[Keith505]

well I got it figured out, heated the lower end of pivot pin until grease started flowing then degreased...turns like butter.

 

[alldodge]

Sounds great, and thanks for coming back and letting us know