Swivel Shaft replacement approach

[Merccoper]

I started this new thread specifically for the swivel shaft replacement as followup to my thread about the steering cable nut being stuck.

I've removed the steering cable clevis pin but the sterndrive still does not swing left/right. Based on the suggestion from the earlier thread from AllDodge, I'm going to replace the upper and lower swivel pin/shaft.

In reviewing the service manual, it says to drill holes on port and starboard sides of the gimbal housing to access the swivel shaft nut and the steering lever clamp bolt/nut. Here and Youtube videos suggest the approach of drilling out the faceplate of the gimbal house. This later approach would appear to provide much easier access to remove the nut. Anyone recommend one approach over the other?

(This is for the Mercruiser noted in the below signature line)

Thanks.

 

[alldodge]

Many have used the JR Marine method (face plate drilling) and like it, I have not done one that way so unable to say how better/worst.

I have drilled the holes and replaced pin using Mercs method. Drilling the holes was easy enough and required a tap to thread the holes for the plastic plugs when finished.

My guess is your lower pin can be cleaned up and reused, but that is a maybe. When doing the upper pin you can add a grease fitting that BT Ductor has a thread on

 

[Bt Doctur]

Did you remove the pin from the power steering cylinder, they do seize up

 

[Merccoper]

Tinyboatnation Hi there and welcome to the forum. You will find a lot of great help here. You have posted your question in an existing thread, so that might be why you didn’t get any replies. Try starting a new thread (rather than responding to an existing thread). Oh, and I wish I could help you with your question, but I’m pretty much a newbie.

alldodge With regards to to my thread, I’m finally able to get back at it, however, the steering is pretty much frozen. I’ve removed the outdrive but can not swing the gimbal housing assembly left or right ( so I’m not able to access the gimbal pins). I even tried putting a strap/ratchet on it. I didn’t put too much pressure on it, but what I thought would be enough to move it. Any thoughts on what I should do?

 

[alldodge]

I post back on your other thread to keep info there

The steering is disconnected from the steering ram, correct?

If so I would put the drive back on so you can use it as leverage.
Go inside and spray or squirt penetrating oil/lube. It needs to be freed up to get the pin out

 

[GA_Boater]

Tinyboatnation has a thread of his own now.

Merccoper - With your last post in your other thread mentioned by Alldodge, it seems this thread was a false alarm.