Steering cable nut - how to remove

[Merccoper]

Well, I thought removing the cotter pin from the clevis pin on the steering cable was the tough part (isn’t that conveniently located!!!), but now I’m trying to remove the cable nut on the other end. Unfortunately when trying to unscrew it, the cylinder it is attached to also turns, preventing the nut from coming off (I’m guessing this is common). I’m not able to get a good grip on the cylinder. Any tricks to suggest?

this is on a 2000, 4.3 Merc

(I’m removing the cable in order to re-grease the shaft that goes through the cylinder. After removing the clevis pin, the steering is still really stiff)

 

[alldodge]

There is a slot on the tube where a wrench goes (top right). When reinstalling cable make sure flats are up/down as shown

 

[Merccoper]

Thanks Alldodge. I cleaned up for the day but ran out to check it out. I see it now. Unfortunately it isn’t facing up, so I’ll have to get another hand to help me out while I position it. I just hope a wrench will fit from above! Off hand, would you know what size that is?

 

[alldodge]

I sure don't remember and would just be guessing

 

[Merccoper]

Thanks again Alldodge. Just thought I’d ask about the size, on the off chance you knew. I don’t think have a wrench that size, so will need to buy one.

 

[alldodge]

Went out to the shop and checked the one on the shelf, its 7/8
Could use a crescent (adjustable) wrench

 

[Bondo]

Unfortunately it isn’t facing up, so I’ll have to get another hand to help me out while I position it.

Ayuh,...... It's very critical that when yer done, the flats Are perfectly vertical, as that aligns the internal valves, that make it work,.....

 

[Merccoper]

Thanks Alldodge!!!!! Much appreciated. I was just about to order one. The crescent wrench did the trick though. I’ve got a not so great working elbow, so it was a tough go.

Continuing with this saga, after removing the steering cable from the stern end, the steering was still pretty stiff. My thinking was that I should be able turn the steering with basically a finger.....is that reasonable? I need to solidly grip the steering wheel to turn it.

i removed rack from the steering column. The steering wheel turns freely.

ALSO, I’m not able to easily manually turn the steerdrive left and right (after removing the steering cable). What steps should I take to diagnose the root of this?

Thanks!

 

[alldodge]

With cable disconnected from the sterndrive the wheel should rotate real easy, as you said one finger

With cable disconnected from the sterndrive the drive should be easy enough to swing left/right. It will be a bit harder due to the boots flexing. Should move to left/right and it will swing back to center when released

 

[Scott Danforth]

sounds like you need a new cable

 

[Merccoper]

ALSO, I’m not able to easily manually turn the steerdrive left and right (after removing the steering cable). What steps should I take to diagnose the root of this?

I went out to inspect it more and it turns out that my statement above was optimistic (aka, totally wrong). I’m not able to swing the stern drive left/right at all.

I was about to pull the stern drive off to investigate more but then thought I should circle back first. I’ve done some searching, but came up short on information. Any suggestions on steps to identify the cause? (The steering cable is still removed)

 

[alldodge]

If it won't move (grabbing the drive) with cable disconnected, then its the upper and lower gimbal ring steering pins

 

[Merccoper]

I was worried you’d say that :blue:
i guess I have work cut out for me.
good news is that I took the outdrive off and the gimbal bearing still nice and dry :joyous:


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[alldodge]

With regards to to my thread, I’m finally able to get back at it, however, the steering is pretty much frozen. I’ve removed the outdrive but can not swing the gimbal housing assembly left or right ( so I’m not able to access the gimbal pins). I even tried putting a strap/ratchet on it. I didn’t put too much pressure on it, but what I thought would be enough to move it. Any thoughts on what I should do?

The steering is disconnected from the steering ram, correct?

If so I would put the drive back on so you can use it as leverage.
Go inside and spray or squirt penetrating oil/lube. It needs to be freed up to get the pin out

 

[Merccoper]

I’ve removed the pin holding the steering cable to the clevis but not the pin holding the steering lever to the clevis

 

[alldodge]

I’ve removed the pin holding the steering cable to the clevis but not the pin holding the steering lever to the clevis

That would keep it from moving

 

[Merccoper]

Oops, I had interpreted earlier that disconnecting the steering cable from the clevis that it would help isolate the stiff steering issue as either the cable or something to do the outdrive steering. Now that I have removed the pin for the clevis/steering arm, the gimbal assembly freely swings. (Super happy about that). So.....a summary I guess

- with the steering cable disconnected from the clevis and the cable also removed from the power steering assembly, the steering wheel is still stiff, but not as stiff.

- with the steering arm disconnected from the clevis, the outdrive freely swings left/right.

So, can I assume the issue is the steering cable? How would know it isn’t an issue with the power steering assembly?

 

[alldodge]

The term "stiff" is the issue for me, don't know how stiff it is

It should move easy with the cable not connected to anything. The helm turns and the cable moves in/out, but if its not smooth then its probably cable and helm. May just need the cable and helm greased, maybe not.

The PS system cannot be checked without motor running. Then pressures can be checked and how hard it is to turn