Stick Steering repair or maintenance?

[Doug Redinger]

I recently purchased an old jon boat with a 45 h.p. jet drive and stick steering!! I took the boat out a few weeks ago and it worked okay except that the steering requires extreme effort to move the stick in either direction. I know they recomend a light machine oil for the output ram, but was wondering if any lube is used at the hub where the stick attaches. There appears to be a port just to the right of the stick mount and wondered if that was for lubrication?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Stick Steering repair or maintenance?

More than likely the issue is in the cable. You need to ensure that it's not crimped or kinked in any way and if you can remove it you might be able to lube it. An old trick it to hang it from the rafters and tape a paper funnel around the end and pour some power steering fluid or brake fluid in and let it sit over night. It sometimes will seep into the sheathing and lube the cable.

 

[Doug Redinger]

Re: Stick Steering repair or maintenance?

Thanks for the advice Woodonglass!!!! I will try to remove the cable and see if i can get some lube into it.