Outboard Steering Cable Maintenance - Help w/ Corroded Nuts

[pahey]

My steering is working just fine, very smooth, no issues.

However, the boat is new to me, and I am slowly getting it in good shape. Next project is maintenance on the steering system. I went to disassemble for cleaning / lubrication and found what is shown in the attached pic.

Questions:

1) Side where the cable enters the tube -- the nuts are corroded. Started to loosen, and the cable turned with it. I stopped. Options / recommendations on proceeding? I'm considering just letting it be and working to clean / lube from the other side only. Not optimal, but don't want to create more of an issue by disassembling. If disassembly makes sense, replacement nuts?

3) Quicksilver 2-4-c OK for lubrication?

Motor is a 1998 Ocean Pro 150.

Thanks!

 

[gm280]

I can understand your dilemma. I would use a little penetrating type oil and apply it for a few days/weeks and let it work itself in over time. Because sooner or later you will have to get it off. If not for cleaning/greasing, but to change it out... JMHO!

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would recommend Kroil from Kano Labs as the best penetrating oil. second recommendation is PB Blaster.

soak liberally for a few days in a row, then hit with a heat gun, until hot, spray again - wait a few hours, then repeat.

 

[robert graham]

Since your steering is working fine now then just leave it alone...wire brush corrosion from nuts so they look better...then wait for steering to become rough/problematic and replace the cables with new ones....hopefully years from now....Work on something that needs fixing...

 

[oldboat1]

PB Blaster seems to work even when you don't expect it to. Think I would be inclined to lube it up with a penetrating oil (your choice -- maybe ATF), then clean it up. I would probably want to see if it could move the nut some, after soaking a day or two -- but better choice is probably to finally just leave it alone, as suggested above. If it's salt water corrosion in particular, the cables will need replacement on the down the road, but if they work OK now just use them.