Can Steering cable be lubricated?

[victor26086]

I believe that my steering cable might need some lubrication. not sure how the cable works but my guess is that the plastic outer part (plastic conduit (exterior jacket or casing)) is hold in place and there is an inner metal tube that moves inside the plastic part when the steering wheel is moved left or right??

If I'm correct, can the inner metal part of the cable be separated from the exterior plastic jacket so that I can lubricate it?

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[F_R]

Re: Can Steering cable be lubricated?

It doesn't come apart and there isn't much you can do with it. Why do you think it needs it?

HOWEVER it is extremely imjportant that it be removed from the tilt tube and the tube cleaned and re-lubricated on a regular basis. It is part of a preventative maintenance program. Believe me, you will truly be sorry if you don't do it. Getting one apart after it is too late is a most unfriendly job.

 

[victor26086]

Re: Can Steering cable be lubricated?

Ok thanks. I called my local shop and the mechanic said that the grease is probably gummed. He suggested that i could disconnect it from both ends and connect a Shop Vac to the engine side of the cable and wrap it with a lot of duck-tape to make it as air tight as possible, then spray engine tuner at the helm part of the cable. all while moving the inner shaft back and forth.

 

[mrcj001]

Re: Can Steering cable be lubricated?

Ok thanks. I called my local shop and the mechanic said that the grease is probably gummed. He suggested that i could disconnect it from both ends and connect a Shop Vac to the engine side of the cable and wrap it with a lot of duck-tape to make it as air tight as possible, then spray engine tuner at the helm part of the cable. all while moving the inner shaft back and forth.

Dont waste your time doing that. It wont help.

The cable needs to be replaced.

If you dont, and your underway and it snaps, you will lose control of your vessel and serious injuries can occur.

Dont take short cuts when safety is involved.

 

[pulleyman123]

Re: Can Steering cable be lubricated?

FR - What is the "tilt tube" and how often should this be greased?

 

[mrcj001]

Re: Can Steering cable be lubricated?

The tilt tube is the "tube" on the motor mounting that the steering cable goes thru. The engine tilts, "up & down" on this tube.

If the vessel sits for a long time or it never gets serviced, it will become full of rust and make it difficult to steer or remove the cable.

 

[victor26086]

Re: Can Steering cable be lubricated?

I skipped the process of trying to lubricate the old cable and Im glad I did!! Its to smooth now its unbelievable.

 

[BigB9000]

Re: Can Steering cable be lubricated?

Old sticky grease gets nasty.

Stronger than glue I swear.