Use a socket wrench or similar tool to loosen the nut that holds the steering arm. This makes it easier to pull and unfreeze the cable. Put a vise grip on the tube that holds the cable. Get the vise grip as tight as possible, tighten the fit, lock it in, and slowly shake.
Full Answer
How do you fix a loose steering cable on a boat?
Again, tighten the nut if that's the problem. Replace the steering cable if the cable nuts on both ends are tight. Remove both cable nuts and the old steering cable and sheath, leaving the old mounting brackets along the side of your boat in place. Install the new cable using the old mounting brackets and tighten both cable nuts.
How do you tighten the cable on an outboard motor?
Check the cable nut on the tilt tube of your outboard to ensure it's tight by having a friend move the wheel while you watch the cable at the tilt tube. If the cable moves, tighten the cable nut with an open-end wrench. Check the cable nut at the steering rack to be certain that the rack is moving the cable without any play at the nut.
How do you adjust hydraulic steering cables?
Take the old cable with you when you purchase the new cable--the salesman can match the cable length exactly and you'll get the right cable. If you're blessed with hydraulic steering, it should adjust itself as you raise, lower or trim your engine.
How to fix a loose steering wheel?
First, make sure the nut holding it on is tight. Pop the center out of wheel and make sure the shaft is turning with the wheel and no free play there. If the wheel was loose, the keyway may be beaten out and giving you too much play.
How to tighten steering cable on outboard?
How to replace steering cable on boat?
When to adjust steering wheel?
Can you take an old cable with you when buying a new cable?
How do you tighten a cable boat steering?
If the cable moves, tighten the cable nut with an open-end wrench. Check the cable nut at the steering rack to be certain that the rack is moving the cable without any play at the nut. Again, tighten the nut if that's the problem. Replace the steering cable if the cable nuts on both ends are tight.
How do you fix a boat steering problem?
15:1117:13Diagnosing and fixing stiff boat steering - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYour solutions are either simple like this clean the grease out of the tool tube. Clean the steeringMoreYour solutions are either simple like this clean the grease out of the tool tube. Clean the steering rod itself clean the pivot tube of the outboard.
How do you maintain a boat steering cable?
How to Maintain a Boat's Steering CablesRemove the steering cable(s) telescoping ram from the tilt tube.Clean the inside of the tilt tube thoroughly.Remove corrosion in the tilt tube with a wire brush. ... Lubricate the tilt tube with a water-resistant marine grease.More items...•
Why is my steering wheel hard to turn on my boat?
If your boat's steering is unusually stiff, you should first check to make sure there's adequate grease on the motor. Grease is necessary to keep the components moving and functioning as they are intended. Without this lubrication, the steering wheel may be difficult to turn.
How do you lubricate a steering cable on an inboard boat?
4:097:36Lubricating Boat Cable-steering Mechanism - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd this chain over here. So we're progressing here we'll be right back. Okay we've got a grease gunMoreAnd this chain over here. So we're progressing here we'll be right back. Okay we've got a grease gun on this zerk fitting. And we're going to shoot some grease in there.
How long do boat steering cables last?
Overall you can expect to be servicing or replacing your mechanical boat steering system parts every 5-10 years if not sooner. Sterndrive boats are a little more forgiving, but can still experience the same amount of time with longevity. The best practices are to monitor your steering system.
How do you lubricate a boat steering wheel?
1:544:21Outboard Steering Lubrication - Mercury Optimax - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow like i said i'm going to get all these fittings. And you can see up in there little grease comesMoreNow like i said i'm going to get all these fittings. And you can see up in there little grease comes out once that starts happening you know you're full.
How do you remove a steering cable from an outboard motor?
0:5924:00Replacing the steering cable and helm in a boat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the first thing we do is just take apart. And have a look. So this our boards pretty new and theMoreSo the first thing we do is just take apart. And have a look. So this our boards pretty new and the steering's quite old so in this case I'm actually quite confidence the steering.
What is Teleflex steering?
With the advantage of 4.2 turns lock-to-lock and our patented No FeedBack steering to lock out steering loads, Teleflex's 4.2 Rotary NFB Steering is the ideal single-cable system for most non-power-steered boats. The helm is a drop-in replacement for current generation Safe-T with no dash modifications required.
Why is my hydraulic steering stiff?
Steering Slow or Won't Turn All the Way – Indicative of leaking steering cylinder seals. Check the seals for signs of escaping fluid, and make sure the cylinder shaft is dry and free from fluid when exposed from the cylinder body. Replace the cylinder's seals if any fluid is found.
How do you bleed hydraulic steering on a boat?
0:423:48Sea Star Hydraulic Steering Bleeding and Refilling - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to loosen them just enough to where a tiny bit of hydraulic steering fluid seeps out ofMoreYou want to loosen them just enough to where a tiny bit of hydraulic steering fluid seeps out of them as soon as it seeps out of them put your cables over it so you don't lose all your fluid.
How do you adjust a torque steer on an outboard motor?
Adjust hydraulically-controlled trim tabs on boats with inboard and inboard/outboard motors by lowering the trim tab on the side of the boat opposite the direction in which the stern pulls when backing; if it pulls to port, lower the starboard trim tab; if to starboard, lower the port tab.
How do you free up a boat steering wheel?
1:283:44Boat steering stuck or seized up and will not turn. How to fix. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to take that nut off take that nut off and then this steering arm. Will pull right up andMoreYou want to take that nut off take that nut off and then this steering arm. Will pull right up and swing out.
How do you bleed hydraulic steering on a boat?
0:423:48Sea Star Hydraulic Steering Bleeding and Refilling - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to loosen them just enough to where a tiny bit of hydraulic steering fluid seeps out ofMoreYou want to loosen them just enough to where a tiny bit of hydraulic steering fluid seeps out of them as soon as it seeps out of them put your cables over it so you don't lose all your fluid.
How does hydraulic steering work on a boat?
Hydraulic steering systems use a lightweight hydraulic hose to control the steering. This offers larger or high-powered vessels a smooth, lightweight feel when turning the steering wheel. With fewer metal parts than a mechanical system, hydraulic steering has the benefit of being more resistant to corrosion.
How do you add hydraulic fluid to a boat steering wheel?
7:5510:53Fixing Boat Hydraulic Steering! Bleeding Boat Hydraulic SteeringYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith these hoses you can open up the oil fill port which is usually close to or on top of theMoreWith these hoses you can open up the oil fill port which is usually close to or on top of the steering helm. Then attach the hose to the fill port. And then to a bottle of steering fluid.
How to adjust outboard steering - DoItYourself.com Community Forums
Marine: Boating, Sailing, PWC, Nautical Navigational GPS - How to adjust outboard steering - I bought an 88 Bass Tracker and had a 70hp Evinrude installed. I don't know how the steering was with the old motor cause i replaced it right away. The steering in the water with this motor is very very difficult, i feel like i'
how to adjust mechanical boat steering - iboats Boating Forums
Re: how to adjust mechanical boat steering The metal bracket on the transom needs to be loosened and the cable casing needs to be moved. You need to disconnect the linkage on the motor and establish the center of travel then tighten the transom bracket and re-connect the motor.
Adjusting steering, I got to much play? - iboats Boating Forums
Re: Adjusting steering, I got to much play? That is a good question, the boat is a 2000 Maxum 1900SC w/ a 4.3L Merc (190hp). I did have the bellows, gimble, thorttle cable and impeller recently changed which had no impact on the steering.
How to adjust rotary steering on outboard.
Working on a friends boat we noticed that his steering is not centered. What I mean by that is that it will allow 4 1/2" of throw on the steering rod to the right with more than 2 turns of wheel. But will only allow 1 1/2" of throw to the left about 1 turn of wheel. Total throw of the...
Boat Mechanical Steering Maintenance Guide - YouTube
Boat Mechanical Steering Maintenance Guide
How do you loosen the steering on a boat?
We all know how difficult it can be to get such wheels off after years of becoming clung to by everybody and driving our vessels in the compartments and whittle down for what they really are, so this is the ideal route to get them loose without needing to use costly pullers or tools. The wheels seem to get stagnant onto the helm which can be harder to eliminate so this is the smartest method to let them out without having to use expensive lifters or instruments.
How do I reduce play in the steering wheel?
Wearing steering shelves as well as tie rod tips are the most common source of severe play, so steering systems often offer enough notice of issues. However, since steering components are regarded as “essential parts for safety,” it is better to deal with any concerns as quickly as possible if they arise.
Iowa Matt
Last year I bought a 1989 Tracker Guide V16 with 35Merc and console. Everything about the boat was in top shape and the motor has been nothing short of perfect since the day I picked it up.
Al Wolbach
There is a skeg on the motor to offset the torque steer you are experiencing. Rather than me trying to explain how to adjust it I recommend you stop by the dealership where you bought the boat and ask them. The adjustment is much easier shown than explained.
Way2slow
Steering wheel being loose can be caused by a couple of things. First, make sure the nut holding it on is tight. Pop the center out of wheel and make sure the shaft is turning with the wheel and no free play there. If the wheel was loose, the keyway may be beaten out and giving you too much play.
How to tighten steering cable on outboard?
Open-end wrench. New steering cable. Check the cable nut on the tilt tube of your outboard to ensure it's tight by having a friend move the wheel while you watch the cable at the tilt tube. If the cable moves, tighten the cable nut with an open-end wrench. Check the cable nut at the steering rack to be certain that the rack is moving ...
How to replace steering cable on boat?
Replace the steering cable if the cable nuts on both ends are tight. Remove both cable nuts and the old steering cable and sheath, leaving the old mounting brackets along the side of your boat in place. Install the new cable using the old mounting brackets and tighten both cable nuts .
When to adjust steering wheel?
When your steering wheel begins to develop more sloppiness than it used to, it's time to either adjust the steering or replace the cable. Adjusting the steering is more a matter of tightening the junction between your helm and the cable and between the cable and the tilt tube on the motor, than it is one of making an adjustment the steering. Whether you have to adjust the cable connections or replace the steering cable, remember your ability to navigate and even your life may depend on your steering.
Can you take an old cable with you when buying a new cable?
Take the old cable with you when you purchase the new cable--the salesman can match the cable length exactly and you'll get the right cable.
