Hard Steering Problem

[playyas4u]

I have a 1989 85HP Force and the steering is very hard to turn. I noticted that the previous owner had put tape on the cable which I haven't removed yet. Should I just replace the cable or should I try to grease it or something? If I replace the cable what kind of cable do I need, it's on a 30ft houseboat. How diffcult of a task is this? I have attached a picture of the cable with tape on it. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[JCNailen]

Re: Hard Steering Problem

The question is WHY there is tape on it? Could be possible that it had a crack and the PO tried to tape it up. If that is the case, it's a good chance that water got inside the cable liner and is rusting up. I live in a house boat and can only offer one piece of advice... Get some duct tape and some clothesline rope. Tape the rope to the old cable so that when you pull it out you also pull the rope. Then tape the rope to the new cable and pull it through.

 

[TwoFish]

Re: Hard Steering Problem

Have you disconnected the cable from the motor to see if it is the motor pivot that is seizing or the cable?

Generally the cables don?t clean up well so replacing it is the best option. Especially if you suspect the outer casing is damaged. Shorter length cables, 15 feet, are not too expensive but 30 feet may be a different story. Looked online but could not find one this length.

It is also recommended to replace the stainless steel nylock nut that connects the steering cable to the control arm on the motor each time you remove it. Lots of people don?t but having the steering come loose because the nut falls off is not good.

Good Luck

Dean

 

[sidenberg]

Re: Hard Steering Problem

My steering seized on me one time. Turned out to be the the grease on the stainless steering arm had dried up even though I had recently greased the fitting. It took at least a hour to free it by twisting the arm back and forth with vice grips and spraying lubricant at the same time.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Hard Steering Problem

Profile???You might be close enough that someone can help.Either the tape is keeping grease or water in or out.Usually the steering siezes where it goes through the front of the motor.
Start spraying WD-40 and turning the motor back and forth.
Or take off the cable and clean the tube with a tube brush.I get mine at Northern Supply.
Once it's unhooked try turning it again.The grease fittings on the side might be lubed enough to free it up.Otherwise there is a lot of work to be done.

 

[playyas4u]

Re: Hard Steering Problem

Thanks for the input. I will try some of the troubleshooting and report back this weekend. I am guessing I will probably need about 26' steering cable, but I will measure this weekend to know for sure.

 

[RRitt]

Re: Hard Steering Problem

before you get worked up over the cable, disconnect it and make sure the motor is easy to turn by hand. If the motor is stiff then you have bigger fish to fry.