Stiff steering system

[ledzeppelin135]

Hi, I have some very stiff steering on my 59 harvey 14ft boat. It is the steering system that came with the boat when I bought it, not sure if it is original or not but It was hooked up to the evinrude on the boat and now to my mercury. Even with the cable not connected to the motor it is still very stiff. I have greased both zerk fittings on the cable and have taken apart the steering assembly and greased the gears and steering shaft and it has helped a little bit but the steering is still way to stiff. I am wondering what kind of steering system and cable this is and if I am able to replace the cable or not. The steering assembly says mercury on it and looks old and as you see in the pictures the cable looks to be old as well. If I can not replace the cable am I able to replace the steering assembly with something similar where I can keep the steering wheel and basically bolt the new steering assembly up to where the old one is mounted?

 

[ledzeppelin135]

Re: Stiff steering system

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[merc850]

Re: Stiff steering system

Yes that is a Ride Guide system and they stopped making that style in the 60's and stopped production altogether in 2005. You might find a cable at a marina or online, otherwise you will have to buy a Teleflex system. Pic Nr. 1 shows the outer covering (waterproofing) destroyed that will cause cable failure, steering is a system that needs to be 100% good or you can lose your life/boat or run over someone.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Stiff steering system

I hate to tell you this, but grease will make the cable stiff to the point of jamming up. The cable itself is lubed (for life) with a light oil. Teleflex will only tell you that as they are selling you a replacement cable.

A little grease is needed on the rod in the motor end, and on gears if any at the helm. None in the cable.

They can be cleaned and re-oiled. Look around with the search. I've gone there umpteen times.

 

[ledzeppelin135]

Re: Stiff steering system

so if I get a teleflex system will I be able to use the existing steering wheel and not have to make any major cuts or holes in the dashboard?

 

[merc850]

Re: Stiff steering system

The Mercury wheel might be a one piece deal you'll have to pull it to find out, anyway the Merc uses a square tapered shaft - the Teleflex uses a round shaft with a key.