Dual Cable Steering very tight

[GlasV162]

Hello,
Is it normal for dual cable steering to require substantial effort to turn the wheel? I've been told that it's the "nature of the beast," but this seems excessive. It's on a 1999 Mercury 150 EFI. Any suggestions on how to loosen it up without sacrificing safety?
Thanks,
John

 

[cr2k]

Re: Dual Cable Steering very tight

Dual cable steering is supposed to be set up for just a touch of "interference" (one cable adjusted slightly against the other) to eliminate slop.
Unhook them one at a time and see if they are both bad or just one. You CANNOT lubricate steering or control cables. Some people try to grease them and the grease will bind the cables. They are NOT serviceable regardless of what anyone tells you. Do you want to trust your family, etc to "doctored" steering? Other places for bind are the helm bushings or the swivel tube on the motor or excessively tight bends in the cables. If the cables are bare anywhere replace also.