Stiff Steering on 07 Legend

[izoomie]

Hello all;

I just bought a sweet 2007 18' Legend Excalibur with a Merc 90 4 stroke efi. The steering to port is very stiff (two hands stiff) whether moving fast or slow, motor trimmed all the way down. Steering to starboard is easier.

I disconnected the steering shaft at the motor. The wheel turns easier but not "one finger" easy. The motor pivots back and forth very easily.

I articulated the steering shaft so it is all the into the casing and greased the nipple. There is only one nipple on the center of the trim pivot point of the motor, not really on the steering cable.

Can these things be lubed or do I have to replace the whole cable?

Thanks

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Stiff Steering on 07 Legend

Short time project.

 

[izoomie]

Re: Stiff Steering on 07 Legend

Short time project.

Can you elaborate?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Stiff Steering on 07 Legend

Replace the steering cable.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Stiff Steering on 07 Legend

Hello all;

I just bought a sweet 2007 18' Legend Excalibur with a Merc 90 4 stroke efi. The steering to port is very stiff (two hands stiff) whether moving fast or slow, motor trimmed all the way down. Steering to starboard is easier.

I disconnected the steering shaft at the motor. The wheel turns easier but not "one finger" easy. The motor pivots back and forth very easily.

I articulated the steering shaft so it is all the into the casing and greased the nipple. There is only one nipple on the center of the trim pivot point of the motor, not really on the steering cable.

Can these things be lubed or do I have to replace the whole cable?

Thanks

Ayuh,... The cable is a non-serviceable item, if the problem is the cable, replace it,....

There's the chance that there's corrosion, inside the tilt tube,...
Pull the cable, clean, 'n grease it up,...

 

[Grandad]

Re: Stiff Steering on 07 Legend

Hi izoomie. I had a similar problem with the steering on my I/O when I first got it (used). When I examined the cable end at the outdrive attachment point, I noted that the inside "sleeve" had a bend in it. Not sure how it ever got bent; maybe during replacement of the engine at some previous time. Steering in the direction of extending the sleeve was no problem, but steering in the direction that pulled the sleeve inside the jacket was pretty stiff. Anyway, I was able to straighten the sleeve (not easy, but do-able). You might have a look. By the way, Hamilton is where I was born and raised. I always say that Hamilton is nice place to be from; I moved here about 30 years ago. - Grandad

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Stiff Steering on 07 Legend

Short time project.

Sorry, meant it will not take a lot of time to replace the cables....

 

[dan02gt]

Re: Stiff Steering on 07 Legend

Now would be a good time to consider upgrading to hydraulic steering. It's very well worth the money.

 

[izoomie]

Re: Stiff Steering on 07 Legend

Now would be a good time to consider upgrading to hydraulic steering. It's very well worth the money.

ooo, that sounds interesting. Can you point me to a kit?

 

[dan02gt]

Re: Stiff Steering on 07 Legend

ooo, that sounds interesting. Can you point me to a kit?

izoome,

Teleflex makes the most popular kits. They have 2 popular units the Seastar and the Baystar. The Seastar is the bigger unit for motors 150HP+ and the the Baystar is for the smaller motors. You should be just fine with the Baystar. Here's a link to the kit: Teleflex Baystar Hydraulic Steering System Package - Teleflex Marine HK4200A - iboats

Here's a link to the manufactures web site so you can read all about it: SeaStar Solutions

Hydraulic systems will remove all feedback from your steering as well as steering torque. It's worth every penny and will be one of the best upgrades you could do to your boat.

 

[izoomie]

Re: Stiff Steering on 07 Legend

Thanks Dan, I will look real hard at that before I put any money into a new cable.