AQ steering fork removal

[wrbowcal]

Hello new to iboats!.Could use some help please.This is not the same system as in the manual I have for a AQ280? I got that darn steering arm bolt out with heat and penetrant with great difficult and now I tried removing the arm with wood wedges between the transom shield and and the arm it wont move much.I'm scared of breaking something Am I doing this right thanks? the drive is off.

1977 Bayliner 2750 command bridge

 

[Don S]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

Not enough heat. Usually when the arm is corroded onto the arm like that, I have taken screwdrives and cut the end of and drove them into the split in the arm, then heat the area around the pivot shaft so the steering arm gets not all the way around. I usually end up melting the plastic bushings also.
They can be a real pain sometimes.

 

[wrbowcal]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

Thanks Don,I will give that a try.

 

[Don S]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

One note on the screwdriver blade, I use them because there is a slower taper than a chisel. So they actually spread the fork better.

 

[wrbowcal]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

One note on the screwdriver blade, I use them because there is a slower taper than a chisel. So they actually spread the fork better.

Poured the heat to the arm Don and drove in a good flathead in and got 3/8" so its coming.Got it soaking overnight I will try to remove the tilt assembly its in the way(needs repair anyway) to gain good access to heat the right side of the arm.

 

[Don S]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

Good luck with the tilt assembly, they can even be tougher to get out if it's ever been in salt water.

 

[wrbowcal]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

Good luck with the tilt assembly, they can even be tougher to get out if it's ever been in salt water.

unfortunately I have heard that,it was a salty in the 80,s and I assume heat everything out there too.I think the last owner may have had the tilt out in 07 it might not be to bad to remove,I lifted it last year and went over limit and wrecked something it will be a big job also.

 

[wrbowcal]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

Don,would you or anyone know the part numbers for the bushings on this type of steering arm or a parts manual? My parts manual is for AQ DP steering fork differant than mine.Old survey says AQ260 model,engine changed before I purchased the boat,the upper gear housing tag numbers end with a B oil dip stick position is in the middle of cover I think its a 280 not a 100% sure.single prop.Thanks

Need bumper too.

 

[Don S]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

With that steering arm, I would say it's a 280 transom shield, the earlier 270 had a much taller one. Here is the parts list for the 280.

You also need the rubber bumper that's missing. If the drive was to ever kick up in reverse because the lockdown wasn't latched, without that pad you would probably break something expensive.

Connecting Components Aq Drive 280 AQ260A - 7744020 - Volvo Penta

Items 11 and 12 are the bushings you would need, #4 is that V ring you see between the fork and housing in your last picture. #43 is the rubber bumper.

 

[wrbowcal]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

Thanks Don but I cant access VP US site and Canada dont have one that I can find, Im just across the line.My boats originaly from Everett WA,your neck of the woods.Sweden figures we dont need one I guess.

 

[Don S]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

Found it. Couldn't remember where I found the .pdf files with the part numbers.
The parts you need are highlighted in yellow.

View attachment CONNECTING COMPONENTS AQ DRIVE .pdf

 

[wrbowcal]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

Ahha! Thank you very much!

 

[wrbowcal]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

What are your thoughts on this,the lower bushing appears to be moving with the shaft.should I keep pounding or will I damage the transom sheild.

 

[Don S]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

What are you "pounding" on. I sure hope it's not the steering fork on the inside.

 

[wrbowcal]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

Just the steering fork shaft down from the inside and wedging from the outside.

 

[Don S]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

Don't even think about doing that.
The steering fork shaft is soft aluminum. What evey you hit it with will mushroom over the the top of the shaft and you will never get it apart.

 

[wrbowcal]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

I do see your point if I expand the shaft from beating on it it isnt going to help much is it?Don what would your method be to get it out? From what I have gathered thats how its done.Its not going to wedge out from the bottom alone, way to corroded..Boats 36 years old V seal was shot half that time in salt water, its not good.I have no problem zip cutting the arm off and spreading it open off the shaft.New steering arm price is not that expensive if I have to go this way.

 

[Don S]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

I usually have someone on the outside with 2 big prybars, so they can wiggle and push down at the same time. Then, I use big heat (oxy/act) on the steel arm to heat it up fast without heating the shaft itself (as much as possible). If the fork shaft gets too hot, let it cool down and repeat.
Never ran into one I couldn't persuade using that method.

I also have a 3rd person with a water hose and extinguisher on fire watch.

 

[wrbowcal]

Re: AQ steering fork removal

Thanks I will that a try.