My Steering is Stuck
Why does this happen and how can I fix this?
The steering cable has two parts, an outer sleeve and an inner cable/rod. The sleeve bolts on to the starboard side of the engine and rod slides thru the tilt tube of the motor. The rod is connected to the motor by the steering arm. The tilt tube needs lubrication. Lack of lubrication and water can cause corrosion. This results in the rod sticking.
Warning: if your steering is stuck, do NOT try forcing the wheel to turn. There are small teeth in the helm (behind the wheel) that can break. If several teeth break, you will need to replace your helm.
Verify the steering cable is stuck by removing the steering arm from the rod. With your hands, grasp the motor and move it. If it moves, the steering cable is the source of the problem.
The easiest method that can free a slightly frozen rod is using the engine tilt motor to try to break the rod free. When the motor moves the rod does rotates slightly. Repeated tilting full up/down can break free a rod.
If still stuck, with the steering arm still disconnected, remove the port side nut from the engine bracket. Spray heavy amounts of penetrant like PB Blaster into the tilt tube. Keep some rags or towels handy. Let this soak for a few hours. Repeated spraying and letting it sit helps reduce the effort to break it free.
Wrap the flat end of the steering rod with a towel and use a wrench or adjustable and gently rotate up and down while having a helper put light pressure on the wheel.
If not successful, unbolt the starboard side nut that attaches the cable to the engine. With a block of wood and a hammer, drive the port side end of cable. A combination of force and spraying penetrant will break it free in 90% of the cases.
If the cable will still not budge, the last resort is to use heat. With a propane torch (not MAP or other high temperature fuels) apply heat to the tube. After a few minutes, whack the cable. Repeat the soaking and apply more heat and hitting the cable.
Unfrozen and Prevention:
Now that your cable is unstuck, you should take the time to make sure it doesn't happen again. If the boat is new to you or has not been serviced recently, removing the steering rod, cleaning the tube and reinstalling with fresh marine grease is recommended.
If your rod does not have a nut with a grease fitting on the port side,it is highly recommended you install one like the one shown in the photo above. One brand is Steersman_Nut
Revised 7/08
FAQ by Phil Tyson
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