Steering cable removal 1997 Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 1

[Smoke33]

I am in the process of changing my steering cable on a 1997 Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 1. If I am understanding correctly I need to undo the large nut in the picture. If that is correct how do I do so without having the whole thing just spin? I locked onto the area to the left of the nut and the whole piston with the threads on the right spins as I turn the nut. I don’t see anything to lock onto to hold the part with the threads in place. Thanks
Sorry for the sideways pic.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,...... Welcome Aboard,...... I believe you'll find a set of wrench flats, just behind the hose in yer picture,.....
Up nearer the top,....

 

[Smoke33]

I am in the process of changing my steering cable on a 1997 Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 1. If I am understanding correctly I need to undo the large nut in the picture. If that is correct how do I do so without having the whole thing just spin? I locked onto the area to the left of the nut and the whole piston with the threads on the right spins as I turn the nut. I don’t see anything to lock onto to hold the part with the threads in place. Thanks
Sorry for the sideways pic.

I just looked and don't see any. Behind the hose is the housing that piston goes into.

 

[Smoke33]

I just looked and don't see any. Behind the hose is the housing that piston goes into.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Just past that are 2 wrench flats,...... only 2, not 6,.....

 

[Smoke33]

[No message]

 

[Smoke33]

Not seeing any flat spots. Here are pics without the hose in the way.

 

[Smoke33]

I went back out to the boat this morning and figured it out. After disconnecting my steering was still stiff but not as bad as it was telling me there is something more to look at. Should I be able to go to my lower unit and turn it by hand? What else should I look at?

 

[Smoke33]

Am I posted in the wrong place or is there just not a lot of traffic here?

 

[JASinIL2006]

I don’t think you are in the wrong place. You posted your most recent question at 8:15 a.m. and expected an answer in 2 hours?

I wish I could help, but be a bit patient and someone should be along.

How did you figure out to get the hose off?

 

[Smoke33]

I slept on it and woke up at 5:00 this morning and laid in bed thinking I had to be missing something. With a fresh pair of eyes and got back at it and figured it out.
as far as my patience I guess I am used to getting multiple responses from multiple individuals relatively quickly.