Steering rack& pinion very hard to turn

[Albertbklyn]

I have a 1973 stamas 20' with 1986 225 johnson outboard <br /><br />My steering is damn hard to turn. Im so sick in the head i still go out with it like that. but i was fed up today so i took it apart ( from the motor) to try and grease i. <br /><br />Well i know the motor itself is easy to turn and the wheel itself is easy ( because i removed the cable from one end and moved the motor and it moves smooth and then i remove from steering wheel and it moves free) <br /><br />I put the steering side of cable back on and left the motor end off( to make it easier for me to free up) <br /><br />I greased it when it was all the way many times I also moved it back and fourth many many many times to see if it wold free up. <br /><br />No dice its still stiff. I would like not to replace the cable so if anyone has any pointers i would appreciate it. <br /><br /> I have freed up locked steering before from my old 1964. that bad boy was LOCKED it was hard but it freed up. this is real stiff to the point that my arm hurts and i hit a bulkhead today going around a tug boat in the gowanus canal. <br /><br />no damage but i really want to fix it... funds are low but i will replace if i have too. Im really concerned with theinstall rather than the price of the cable... I know I know i heard its expensive so any help would be appreciated<br /><br />Hooty the email you sent me was too big for me to print or even try to look at

 

[hondon]

Re: Steering rack& pinion very hard to turn

You have rust happening inside the tilt tube that your steering cable go'es through.You need to go to the auto parts store and get a 3/4 inch flexhone and with alot of W D hone the heck out of that tube until it shines on the inside.Or spend the dough and replace the tube.

 

[DJ]

Re: Steering rack& pinion very hard to turn

Albert,<br /><br />The way I read your post, you have a problem within the cable.<br /><br />The only thing that causes problems inside the cables is corrosion.<br /><br />Once that happens, you are playing with fire. It's only a matter of time before it breaks. You DO NOT want that to happen ant any rate of speed.<br /><br />Replace the cable.