How to remove steering cable

[elwopo]

I've got a 96 Force 120. The motor will not move no matter how much pressure is put on it. I've read that the steering cable should be removed to help isolate where the problem is. How do you remove this?
At the front there is a cable with a silver metal end crimped on it. This attaches directly to a 3/4 inch square metal tube that clamps to a box at the base of the steering column.

At the back end there is a thin nut that is attached to the swivel part that grease gets shot into. Turned onto this is a silver nut that is wide and the steering cable attaches to this. Turning the large silver nut only goes so far...then the cable twist will not let it turn more.

Appreciate any help.

 

[roscoe]

Re: How to remove steering cable

The large nut on the starboard side of the motor is the one that must be removed.
But first, disconnect the connecting arm from the cable end, on the port side of the motor.

If the cable is bound up inside the outer sleeve, it will be a pain in the butt.

 

[elwopo]

Re: How to remove steering cable

Does the cable end inside the swivel? The only thing coming from the port side of the swivel is a straight rod. I've detached that from the curved rod that connects to the engine. The straight rod does nut turn when I'm trying to turn the large silver nut.

 

[roscoe]

Re: How to remove steering cable

The straight rod is connected to the end of the cable, all one piece.

Nut must be loosened, then cable and rod must come out of the tilt tube on the motor.

 

[elwopo]

Re: How to remove steering cable

How can I locate the number of the steering cable I have?
It will have to be replaced as the only way to get the large nut off will be to cut the cable. The twist won't allow the nut to come off, and the "rod" end will not move (either twist or in/out of the swivel)

Is the black bar behind the steering wheel part of the "cable" as well? If so I may as well take that off ahead of time as well.

Thanks

 

[roscoe]

Re: How to remove steering cable

The only number you need off the cable is the length.
It is usually printed on the cable within a few feet of the motor.

There are a couple different ends (on the helm end) of the cable, depending on the make and model of the steering unit.
THere are rotary and rack n pinion models.