Re: Hard Steering
Unhook the steering cable back at the engine and try it. If it's good or better the problem is the swivel mechanism on the engine. If it's no different then it's the cable or helm. However, if you have an outboard, more aften than not the problem is your tilt tube. Most are not stainless and they rust. In older OB's the grease in the tilt tube cakes and hardens AND the tilt tube corrodes. All of these conditions can bind the end of the steering cable that is supposed to slide freely through there.<br /><br />Check the cable where it bends to make the turn to the engine and where it turns at the helm to go aft. Sometimes the radius in the turn can get reduced to the point of binding by getting hit by a sliding piece of gear or by someone stepping on it if you've got an outboard.<br /><br />For systems where the cable core winds into the helm you can check the helm by taking the nut that attaches the cable to the helm off. You will not be able to pull the cable out of the helm. If your cable is siezed or binding you still will not be able to turn the wheel in the direction that pulls the cable because you will be pulling the nut up against the cable neck on the helm. However, if you turn the wheel in the direction that pushes the cable you should be able to turn it freely if the helm is OK. Do not turn it far enough to push the cable entirely out of the helm unless you intend to replace it. For rack-style cables just unbolt the rack from the helm to try it.<br /><br />Also for outboards check to be sure that the link arm from the end of the cable is not binding. This can be caused by corrosion of the moving parts or by mechanical damage like being bent by someone stepping on it.<br /><br />Hope any of this helps. Good luck.<br /><br />Ed.
