steering seized

[luvtoboat]

I have a 1983 70hp Mercury. The steering is seized up, I have removed the steering cable, and cleaned out the tilt tube which was one problem, but the motor itself won't pivot side to side. It should move side to side by the steering arm but doesn't do it very well. I've been able to budge it by hammering it back and forth. It's hard to see where the problem is, as far as where the corrosion/lack of lubrication is. Any thoughts or tips? Thanks!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: steering seized

That motor should have an upper and lower swivel bushing. One or both of these may be corroded or just dirty. If you pump grease into the swivel tube, it will emerge from either the upper or lower bushing proving that the other one is the bad one. If the bottom one is bad, see if you can lift the motor a bit to give more clearance on the lower bushing. You may be able to blast it with some penetrating oil and clean it up.

 

[luvtoboat]

Re: steering seized

I added grease but the motor is still stuck. I think it is the swivel bearings. If anyone can direct me in the right direction of how to replace the swivel bearings, it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: steering seized

To clean or replace the swivel bearings, you need to remove the powerhead, lower unit, and then disassemble the midsection. On an old motor like that watch that you do not break bolts. There is a snap ring on the swivel shaft (under the lower steering yoke) that needs to come off, as do the lower ride guide mounts.