teleflex steering

[jch7450]

Hello guys.I have an older 1986 boat.My question is,I see on my teleflex steering unit has 4 bolts holding the rack to the steering unit, can i remove them so i can try to get some lube down in the cable without removing the whole steering box?<br />I noticed they were loose .so i thought HEY! the rack was just binding with the pinion,,,But no! the cable is tight with the arm off the outdrive as well. i'm hoping to get some good lube greese down in the cable,thanks Joe

 

[Don S]

Re: teleflex steering

That probably wouldn't help even if you did put lube in it. The problem is usually at the other end of the cable. It's probably corroded in the aluminum tube that the end of the cable passes through where it attaches to the transom shield.<br />Hard to tell you exactly as there are lots of different possiblities on a "1986 boat"

 

[jch7450]

Re: teleflex steering

Yea I agree Don. But still the question is can i just remove the rack from the housing with the four bolts leaving the pinion assm in place,<br />hell i'm only keeping it this season.A little lube might go a long way

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: teleflex steering

You certainly can remove the 4 bolts.It's your boat.<br />Don was just pointing you towards the real answer.<br /><br />DHP

 

[jch7450]

Re: teleflex steering

DHP,,yea i know it's my boat!!!!!!<br />I and i can do anything i want,,,,<br />The question was..is it ok to remove the bolts without have difficaty putting the rack back in place.<br />Annd i know Don was pointing me the right way!!<br />Thanks DON<br />DHP,,, I didn't need a smart a-- answer!

 

[Don S]

Re: teleflex steering

The question was..is it ok to remove the bolts without have difficaty putting the rack back in place.<br />

Yes

 

[Chris1956]

Re: teleflex steering

JCH, If lubing the rack doesn't help, it is likely you will find the cable end (at the motor) is corroded inside the guide tube it is attached to. If so, remove the clevis pin (remove cotter pin on underside)where the cable end connects to either the motor's steering arm (manual steering) or power steeering rod. Now if you use some good penetrating oil, and a visegrip to rock the cable end back and forth, it may loosen up. if so, clean the cable end well and apply some Merc Special 101 lube. if it doesn't loosen up, you will need to remove the guide tube an heat it with a propane torch to loosen it.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: teleflex steering

Joe,your question seemed to change midstream,and I guess I messed up.Sorry .I never try to be a smart *** here.I don't think lube will help your steering problem,and again I say listen to Don.<br /><br />DHP