steering cable stuck in tube

[eblair66]

I found a bunch of posts in this, but I couldn't find my specific issue. <br /><br />I left my 1990 50hp Evinrude motor for the winter with the engine turned all the way to the starboard now the steering cable is stuck. I took off the tie rod and removed the nut attaching the cable to the sterring tube on the starboard side and I can move it with the wheeel but the cable will not budge on the port side (the side where the tie rod attached to the horizontal bar). <br /><br />I saw in previous posts that said to hit it with a hammer and a block of wood but that would be pushing it inside the tube and I'm afaid it will get jammed inside the tube. Any suggestion on how to pull the rod out of the tube since I don't know of a way to push it from the other side? <br /><br />Also, since the rod will come out almost all the way on the starboard side but the rod on the port side doesn't move is is safe to assume it is supposed to be in two pieces inside the tube?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: steering cable stuck in tube

fishboy <br /><br />Read this thread. If this doesn't work, post back. You need to drive the rod back into the tube. Once it moves, half the battle is won. Use plenty of lubricant(Rust Buster, CRC, PB Blaster) and let it soak overnight before you try to remove it. Also helps if someone can apply pressure on the steering wheel while you smack the rod(Steering Shaft). It is a one piece rod inside the tube. Happy reading,<br /><br /> web page

 

[eblair66]

Re: steering cable stuck in tube

Rick, <br /><br />I think I got it but the thread was kind of confusing so maybe you can clarify what I think is the case. <br /><br />If you want to know what my situation looks like you can visit http://www.edblair.com/cabletrouble.html <br /><br />Since I drew that out I think my initial assessment was mistaken. I think after I loosened the fitting on the starboard side of the tube when I turn the wheel the black plastic cable housing will crawl up and down the cable but the cable never actually moves. Basically an optical illusion and the "cable" and "rod" are actually one long piece. <br /><br />So, if that's true then I just need to break the rod loose on the port side and hopefully it will slide out as one long piece and then I do my cleanup (sounds easy at least).<br /><br />Does that sound right?<br /><br />Thanks, <br /><br />Ed<br /><br />Does

 

[ScuttRAK99577]

Re: steering cable stuck in tube

Oh man - i just went through one of these myself - try soaking overnight with penetrating oil and if that doesn't work - try heat ( be careful with this and remove the gas line!) <br /><br />If that dont work - i'm afraid your going to have to cut that cable and pound the bejesus out it. Took me 4 hrs - Tilt Tube was rusted to crap and Grease was more like concrete - ended up buying a new cable and replacing the tilt tube - sure works dandy now - I tell ya - 10cents worth of grease on my side would have saved me a ton on time and money! <br /><br />Good luck

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: steering cable stuck in tube

Right, it's one piece. If it was working last year, just take it nice & easy it'll free up. The cable end is stainless. PBBlaster like Rick says, trying to get some into the tilt tube. Bolt something to the port end & pull/wiggle. <br /><br />Keep in mind this is the only thing keeping your motor from taking a hard right or left at full throttle, so if it gets too degraded from this procedure or just from normal use, it's wise to replace it.

 

[eblair66]

Re: steering cable stuck in tube

I'm new to boat owning and assumed the grease fittings on the tilt tube lubricated the inside as well, not just where the motor pivots up and down. Silly me. Know of anyway to grease the inside of the tube without removing the whole cable?

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: steering cable stuck in tube

agree with ledgefinder here. if you can afford a new cable, get one! very dangerous if it snaps at WOT. of course I'm overly cautious when it comes<br />to these things.<br />good luck,<br />M.Y.

 

[Kenny Bush]

Re: steering cable stuck in tube

Fishboy, get a hammer and a long straight rod and hammer it out. Those JohnRude tilt tubes are too tight. After the grease absorbs dust and dries out, that tube is stuck. I have had to hammer out quit a few. Get a new cable for the reinstall. Should be about $80.00 to $100.00 .

 

[recess]

Re: steering cable stuck in tube

Having also done this on a 70 Johnson 2 years ago, a found a wooden dowel can be used to help tap the cable through the tube. Spraying it down with PB Blaster is by far the absolute first thing to do. Once the cable is out, use the dowel with sand paper wrapped and taped around it and work this back and forth through the tube. This will remove the rust and clean up the pitted areas. It also sound like you do not have a lubrication nut on the port side of the tube. These are available from West Marine or Boaterworld and run about $20 for Stainless, less for aluminum. This will sweep the steering rod every time you move the steering keeping the grease in; dirt and water out. Well worth the $$$.

 

[plugger]

Re: steering cable stuck in tube

While on the subject .....<br />can someone recomend the corect type/brand of marine waterproof grease to lube the stearing tube <br />and can i just goop it on the ram/shaft and work it back and forth<br /><br />and whats involved in the instilaton<br />of those lube nuts mentioned in above post <br /><br />its smoothe as silk just want to keep it so

 

[eblair66]

Re: steering cable stuck in tube

I got the rod out this afternoon. Still have to clean everything up and reinstall but I have my fingers crossed. Am gonna order me a replacement cable though. <br /><br />Anybody got a better lubrication suggestion than marine grade white lithium grease. <br /><br />Thanks for everybody's help!

 

[OBJ]

Re: steering cable stuck in tube

Hi ya' fishboy....<br /><br />Check into a hole new steering kit. Getting the whole new set up is sometimes cheaper than just getting the cable.<br /><br />Make sure the tilt tube is clean. Run a wire brush through it and get out all the old stuff. Shoot the steering tube full of silicon spray lubricant. Put the new steering cable in and get a cover for the cable ram. You can get these from iboats (look in steering cables/covers) or from a local marine store.<br /><br />Every once in a while, pull the cover off and shoot some silicon spray onto the ram. <br /><br />What ever you do, DON'T use the old cable just because it's free. Enjoy the summer!!!!

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: steering cable stuck in tube

I concur with all the above.<br /><br />Also the best way I have found to clean them tubes is a long shank, small diameter hone, like one to hone out a wheel cylinder, on a drill.<br /><br />Run hone in as far as possible on one side and then go to the other side.<br /><br />Then be sure it is good and clean in the bore.

 

[voxmorgan]

Re: steering cable stuck in tube

ScuttRAK My steering cable broke and the cable is stick in the tilt tube. I already bought a new steering cable and now want to replace the tilt tube. If you don't mind sharing how much did the new tube cost and where did you buy it at?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: steering cable stuck in tube

voxmorgan <br /><br />Don't know what motor you have, but I have seen them online for about $70.00. I'm sure they will be a little higher at a dealer...

 

[voxmorgan]

Re: steering cable stuck in tube

It was for a 25hp I picked one up from the dealer this mornign for $48. Thanks

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: steering cable stuck in tube

As far as the cable stuck in the tube I got mine loose like this, disconnect the cable and tube and pull it back inside the boat where you have some cable to play with, take a 5 gallon bucket and fill it with diesel fuel stick the tube and cable down in it and let it soak overnight, check it out if it's still stuck take a fiber hammer and see if you can drive it out if not let it soak another day, this might save you over $200, hope you get it loose this did the trick for me.