how to de-attach steering box

[Kesh]

I found that the shaft of the steering wheel system was very corroded and "easy to bend". So, I decided to take apart the steering wheel and the steering mechanism box. Probably, if I can't repair the shaft, I will replace the whole steering box.<br /><br />In the picture (see link) you can see a close up of the piece of shaft where the steering wheel was attached. It is that part that is very corroded (see the piece of shaft entering the console support) . I'm afraid that at some point it can fail (as many times the steering wheel is also my support when navigating in rough seas).<br /> link to picture <br /><br />QUESTION: I can't take the mechanism out of the console beacuse of the wedge (it doesnt pass through the hole on the white support). Is the wedge removable ????<br /><br />Help !!!

 

[DJ]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

Cannot see your pictures.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

Ah yes.. I think your refering to the woodruff key or "wedge"... <br /><br />All things being good, after spraying a little penetrating oil, you should be able to knock the key out with a few choice blows from a hammer and chisel... However, things don't always go as they should...<br /><br /> Sometimes a little heat by blowtorch helps... I've found that on rusted stubborn woodruff keys where heat is'nt possible, try drilling a few small holes down into the key to weaken it enuff to make it soft, then try to knock it out again...

 

[Kesh]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

hmmm....DJ, could you please try again...the link seems to be working ok....

 

[Kesh]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

is wd40 good for the penetrating job ?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

Originally posted by Kesh:<br /> is wd40 good for the penetrating job ?

biggest hoax ever perpetrated on western civilization. WD= water displacement. 40= fortieth formulation. If is about one step up from water as a lubricant or penetrant. It that's all you got, it won't hurt to try it. Hit the woodruff key from the end, trying to get an uppward lift on it.

 

[Kesh]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

holding the key with a visegrip and then hitting the visegrip in "extract" direction will work?

 

[snapperbait]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

could'nt hurt...

 

[Bondo]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

If you're Installing a "New" Helm,<br />Just use a Hacksaw to remove the old one.......

 

[Kesh]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

will try today to remove...if not possible, i will "cut" it with a dremel...

 

[Kesh]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

well, my mechanic took the initiative while I wasn't there and removed the steering box applying a "brute force" approach (hammer)...no need to retire the woodruff key...lmao<br /><br />I posted more pictures. You can see how corrosion damaged the wheel shaft and suppoort bolts of the steering box.<br /><br />Did I take the right decision to replace the whole steering box? or should I try to repair only the damaged shaft ?<br /><br />Updated pictures link:<br /> http://home1.nikonnet.com/servlet/c...SSWORD=nikoneditor_-373680336&WHO=memberguest

 

[snapperbait]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

Replacement of the whole box is the best, and just about the only, way to go.. <br /><br />Don't think they sell the parts to "service" the box...

 

[Kesh]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

ok, we bought a new Teleflex Big-T helm. But guess what, there is no woodruff key or wheel nut included.<br /><br />So, I have extracted the old woodruff key. It required heavy hammer work and heat to extract it. I can't understand why it was that tightly inserted in the slot. Question: is it necessary to be that tight ???? I have tried the key in the new helm and it does not enter the slot by hand.<br /><br />First question: I will apply some sanding to make it enter the slot smoothly, not loosy, but smooth. Is this approach ok ????<br /><br /><br />Second question: can I use a stainles steel nut or will it cause corrosion because different metals in contact (the shaft is not stainless)???<br /><br />Third question: When we were at the store for the new helm, I tried one that was on the shelves, and the shaft was easy to turn by hand. However, the new one we got (came in a new cardboard box) can not be turned by hand. The guy at the store told me that it was ok that way. He said that the one in the shelves was being used once for a testing boat. The instructions that came with the new helm say that there is NO need to lubricate, as the helm comes with new grease inside. ¿what is wrong then? ¿why is it that hard? ¿should I wait until the wheel is connected and try it? (the wheel is being repaired at a soldering shop right now, because some of the "rays" had fractured soldering spots...).

 

[Kesh]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

^bump^

 

[snapperbait]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

You could sand down the sides of the woodruff key a little.. N/P.. Just so long as it's there.. for what it's worth, I've never had one of those keys fit without a needing little force to get it seated..<br /><br />Don't see a problem using a stainless nut... That is if you can find one to fit that thread...<br /><br />If memory serves correctly (sometimes it don't ), those Big-T helms are tight and are hard to turn by hand.. No problem..

 

[Kesh]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

do you think it will be uncommon to find a ss nut for that thread?<br /><br />if not, I'm in troubles, because the old nut was badly corroded on the exterior side...I'd hate to use it again....

 

[Kesh]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

and btw, thanks for all the advice, excellent as usual

 

[snapperbait]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

Might be hard to find, yep.. <br /><br /> Also, the nut that's usually supplied in the kit, is a cadnium plated steel (slightly gold colored) nylon locknut (ny/lock)... Sorry, but i don't know the thread size, i just remember it's wierd... Anyway, if you can't find one of the ny/lock nuts and just go with a plain nut, might be advised to use a chemical thread locker of some sort...

 

[Kesh]

Re: how to de-attach steering box

FOUND THE SAFETY NUT, WASHER, THE SCREWS AND BOLTS, ALL NEW AND STAINLESS STEEL !!!!!<br /><br />Also bought some blue marine grease (local brand though).<br /><br />I'm almost ready to install the new helm and I hope it will last longer !!!<br /><br />Updated pictures link:<br /> http://home1.nikonnet.com/servlet/c...SSWORD=nikoneditor_-373680336&WHO=memberguest