What do i lube the steering tube with?

[jeep187]

I have an 2005 Mercury 50hp what should i lube the steering tube with.

The tube that the steering cable rams goes into.

Thanks in advance

 

[j_martin]

Re: What do i lube the steering tube with?

I have an 2005 Mercury 50hp what should i lube the steering tube with.

The tube that the steering cable rams goes into.

Thanks in advance

The lube fitting will lube the bushing of the tilt tube, but shouldn't put any grease inside the tube. That is to be only lightly greased with 2-4-C on the steering rod when assembled.

Forcing grease into the steering cable tube will force grease into the cable itself, which will jam it up. The normal lube is a light mineral or synthetic oil, installed at factory and supposedly good for the life of the cable.

hope it helps
John

 

[Chris1956]

Re: What do i lube the steering tube with?

The absolute best lube for the stainless steel steering rod is Merc's Special Lube 101. Even if you use this, you still need to wipe off all the old grease and relube it, every year (freshwater) or 2X year for saltwater.

Unlike what JM says, don't spare the lube.....or you will be using a propane torch to loosen the steering rod, after you have taken the tilt tube off the motor.

 

[j_martin]

Re: What do i lube the steering tube with?

The absolute best lube for the stainless steel steering rod is Merc's Special Lube 101. Even if you use this, you still need to wipe off all the old grease and relube it, every year (freshwater) or 2X year for saltwater.

Unlike what JM says, don't spare the lube.....or you will be using a propane torch to loosen the steering rod, after you have taken the tilt tube off the motor.

According to Teleflex, excessive grease on the steering rod will be forced into the cable, causing it to bind up and need replacing.

In my experience, they are right.

I agree that lubing the steering is an annual item. It's a tough job on a bass bote, where you have to swing the V6 to get the cables out. I tear up the boat enough every year so it's usually just a matter of lubing the cables while the engine is swinging anyway.

John