Hard Steering

jeep187

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 2, 2008
Messages
89
I have hard steering on My 2005 Mercury 50hp wich is on a 2004 Sun Tracker Pontoon. I disconnected the cable from the motor. The motor turn free and the steering wheel turns free. I lubed the ram up and put it back and it is hard to steer.

Please help. Thanks
 

jackd1023

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 15, 2006
Messages
269
Re: Hard Steering

I had this problem with my old bass boat, I had to replace the steering cable itself, I could not figure a way to lube it. maybe someone knows a trick Good Luck.
 

j_martin

Admiral
Joined
Sep 22, 2006
Messages
7,474
Re: Hard Steering

A bunch of us on Scream and Fly went nuts on this topic. We had a lot of success cleaning and re-lubricating these expensive cables.

I'm especially proud of my contribution to the thread, of course.:D

Synopsis: A device to force fluid through a boat steering cable. Various concoctions tried for cleaning and lubrication. I found that SeaFoam did well cleaning it, and 5W30 Full Synthetic motor oil lubed it up well.

One thing we found out is that the biggest contamination of the cable comes from too much grease in the steering tube. The cable uses a lightweight lubricant, and grease will stiffen it or lock it up. (from Teleflex)

hope it helps
John
 

turbinedoctor

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 7, 2009
Messages
225
Re: Hard Steering

Just two days ago I removed my steering cable from the steering wheel assembly and started putting some lube down the tube and working the cable in and out after I unhooked the other end from the motor. I took me a little while to figure out how to get the cable loose from the steering box. Mine is a teleflex and after I pulled the retaining clip, there is a small hole with a spring loaded ball that keeps the cable into the housing.

Hope this helps.

Durwood
 
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