nfb steering grease

[spete]

just installed no Feedback Teleflex Safe-T II system and the instructions stated not to grease any part of the system that it's pre-greased. They way install. instructions read it also sounded like I should not add any additional grease to the tilt tube where the cable connects to the motor. There are two grease fittings on the tube and I've always added grease in the past. Can someone tell me if I should add grease to the tube or not and what type of grease should i use if necessary . Seems like that area needs some type of grease to keep water out of the tube and cable?<br /><br />Thanks for your response

 

[wildwolf]

Re: nfb steering grease

Yes you should grease the tilt tube at the fittings, you can also use a special liquid lubricant for the tube, I don't remember the name of it but West Marina sells it, I'll look for it on line and get back with you. Other than that I know you can use white lithium grease at those fittings.<br /><br />Wolf

 

[spete]

Re: nfb steering grease

Thanks WW ... should i remove the cable from tube, grease and then re-install or just add grease at the fittings?<br /><br />Also, the NFB steering seems very stiff to turn - is this normal and does it loosen up?<br /><br />Thx

 

[wildwolf]

Re: nfb steering grease

You can just add the grease. It should of been somewhat easy to turn, however the new no feedback systems are a little harder to turn than the older style ones. Also did you turn your motor by hand before you installed the new cable to make sure the motor itself was not binding?<br /><br />Wolf

 

[Walker]

Re: nfb steering grease

If you have any threads sticking out on the side the steering rod comes out invest in a "Steersman," or its marketed under different names. Its a large nut with an internal O-ring and a grease zirk. I've had one on my salt water rig since 1994 and you can still push the motor side to side by hand.

 

[spete]

Re: nfb steering grease

Motor turned easily by hand without the cable attached and now it takes a very deliberate turning motion on the steering wheel to make the motor move. Not really binding up, but definitely takes a bit of arm to move the wheel - that normal?<br />The end of the tilt tube does have a large nylon nut bolted on with an o-ring. I guess i should pack that with grease and hit the other two fittings with a gun. Should i use the white lithium grease or is the blue marine grease i have for my wheel bearings going to work?<br /><br />Thx.

 

[Walker]

Re: nfb steering grease

Spete, disconnect the steering arm from the cable and see if the steering wheel is still tight. May have to pull the cable out of the tilt tube and clean the inside of the tube. This is where steering s usually freeze up. Its not usually the cable itself that get bad.

 

[spete]

Re: nfb steering grease

CLeaned the tilt tube out well before installing - i think it's just the new NFB helm that's tough to turn. Is blue marine grease okay for the tube or is the White/Lit. grease better?