Best method for tilt tube removal, VJ90TLASB

[havoc_squad]

For 1990 VJ90TLASB
What is the best method for pulling the tilt tube out that houses the steering cable so I can replace the bushings?

The factory service manual doesn't cover what techniques are best to pull it out. Is there an OEM or aftermarket puller/tool that is best? I've thought about stacking nuts on the largest threaded end protecting the tube so a hammer could be used to create movement and use a heat gun on the friction points around the tube.

I'll be likely using the OEM engine/flywheel puller to lift the outboard and remove the trim system but keep the transom mounts on the boat if possible.

Motor is fresh water and appears to have almost zero corrosion.

The bushings were damaged when trailer bounced hard with the transom saver attached because the right trailer tire hit a crack at the edge of the road and springed up. No evidence of cracked mounts were found.

Also, for the trim motor assembly for the trim cylinder lower bushings, can you replace the bushings without disconnecting the hydraulic lines? From the OEM service manual, it seems that is correct since they tell you in assembly of it to install the hydraulic lines with the orings first, then the bushings before the trim/tilt lower pin in installed.

 

[saltchuckmatt]

For 1990 VJ90TLASB
What is the best method for pulling the tilt tube out that houses the steering cable so I can replace the bushings?

The factory service manual doesn't cover what techniques are best to pull it out. Is there an OEM or aftermarket puller/tool that is best? I've thought about stacking nuts on the largest threaded end protecting the tube so a hammer could be used to create movement and use a heat gun on the friction points around the tube.

I'll be likely using the OEM engine/flywheel puller to lift the outboard and remove the trim system but keep the transom mounts on the boat if possible.

Motor is fresh water and appears to have almost zero corrosion.

The bushings were damaged when trailer bounced hard with the transom saver attached because the right trailer tire hit a crack at the edge of the road and springed up. No evidence of cracked mounts were found.

Also, for the trim motor assembly for the trim cylinder lower bushings, can you replace the bushings without disconnecting the hydraulic lines? From the OEM service manual, it seems that is correct since they tell you in assembly of it to install the hydraulic lines with the orings first, then the bushings before the trim/tilt lower pin in installed.

Here is a decent video on that.

 

[havoc_squad]

Yeah, I'm aware of that video. My question is what is the best tool to use to drive out the tube without destroying it.

The problem about that video, at 4:58 he is not re-using his tilt tube so he has no issue damaging the end of the threads as long as it doesn't get stuck.

That's a $200 part to replace and life gets a whole lot worse if it gets stuck because you deformed it.

 

[saltchuckmatt]

Yeah, I'm aware of that video. My question is what is the best tool to use to drive out the tube without destroying it.

The problem about that video, at 4:58 he is not re-using his tilt tube so he has no issue damaging the end of the threads as long as it doesn't get stuck.

That's a $200 part to replace and life gets a whole lot worse if it gets stuck because you deformed it.

I've taken many out with smaller motors but the bigger motors are tough because the weight on them. Not aware of any tool.

Most of the time the problem is dried up grease and salt freezing up the steering cable. Cleaned out many of those.

The bushings are just plastic depending on being greased to last....hard to imagine those got ruined by a trailer pothole issue.

Your heat, double nut and lots of oil is probably going to work the best. I'd hit it one way, then back the other way until it's starts moving better.

Otherwise may be better to pull the engine and starts taking the brackets off one by one.

 

[racerone]

$200 ?------Local shop might make one for less.-----There must be a lot of used ones around for about $20 in my opinion.------Weld a piece of flat bar on a nut and use a long drift to drive that tube out.