Steering Way too Tight

[Redrox]

Hi,<br /><br />I have an 86 EDSON Bowrider with a 90hp Merc. The steering is really tight, it takes two hands sometimes to move the wheel even when it hasn't been sitting for days.<br /><br />I have no ideas on how to loosen it. Help please!!??

 

[DJ]

Re: Steering Way too Tight

Red,<br /><br />Disconnect the cable from the engine. See if the engine turns freely.<br /><br />If it does, your cable is seizing up. There is no fix other than replacement.

 

[Redrox]

Re: Steering Way too Tight

How do I disconnect the cables from the engine?

 

[DJ]

Re: Steering Way too Tight

Look on the right (standing behind) side of the engine. <br /><br />You will see a link from the end of the cable to the tiller. The tiller is the part under the center front of the engine. Just disconnect that link.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Steering Way too Tight

My motor barely turned from side to side when i first got it.It did move freely when the cable was disconnected so this told me that the cable was sticking.I turned the wheel as far as I could until the steering piston was out all the way.I sprayed "one lube" on the piston and then turned the wheel the other way until the piston retracted.then i turned the wheel all the way until the piston was out again.I cleaned off the piston(there was a ton of crap coming out of the cable onto the piston)with a paper towel and repeated this step about 20 times.the crap just kept coming out but the wheel was turning easier.Then I connected the motor to it and turned the wheel and the motor moved much easier than before.I kept using the spray lube way for another 20 times and the steering just kept getting easier.I was going to grease it at that point,but instead I just spray the piston each time I get on the boat and clean it 2or3 times and it moves easier than a brand new setup now.It is worth a try!!! Charlie

 

[Redrox]

Re: Steering Way too Tight

Charlie,<br /><br />what is the steering piston?<br /><br />what kind of spray lube did you use? Suggestions?

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Steering Way too Tight

Redrox,as djons described ,disconnect the assembly in front of the motor.It should be a locking nut and washer on the curved end of the steering arm.You can also do what I described without disconnecting anything.When you turn the wheel all the way the piston will either come all the way out or retract all the way.It will look like a grease covered tubular piece of metal coming out of the end of the cable right in front of the motor.Try it without disconnecting it first and see if it gets ant easier.I used "one lube" which is made by slick 50.Any good penetrating oil spray would probably work well. Charlie let me know how you make out!!!