rack and pinon steering

[weasel48]

Does anyone have any quick fix for freeing up the frozen steering on the rack and pinon type the gimbles are free and move smooth, but the steering cable is frozen.

 

[emoney]

Re: rack and pinon steering

You can try heat and lube, but odds are you need a new cable, roughly $100.00 Once they lock up, they don't like to unlock. Just went there myself, but with an outboard.

 

[southkogs]

Re: rack and pinon steering

X2 - I did mine last year, and after having seen the whole works there's no way to service them well. I'd go for a new one too.

 

[albert_hofmann]

Re: rack and pinon steering

I got one free with liquid wrench (spray lube) and a few forcefull tugs on the wheel. I really think I was lucky though and it wasn't really that stuck. It worked when I put it away in November but didn't when I took it out in April so it was only siezed for a couple months at most. I would try and find a used one, I'm in Ontario and see complete steering systems sell for $50-$125.

cheers

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: rack and pinon steering

I did mine this year on a 1995 5.7 mercruiser alph I gen II. The wheel would still turn, but it was very stiff. I pulled the cable and replaced 15ft "no feed back" single Teleflex cable (from a Mer dealer) for $165.00 taxes in. It took me about 1 1/2 Hrs.

If you do manage to get it loose, it will be a temperary fix.


First pic is the rack(the other end of the steering wheel, under your dash.) Second is the other end at the drive and the last is where you will find the part number and length of cable you will need.

Good luck.....

Ken