Thread: Steering cables

There should be zerts on the motor where the cables attach. Also can try spraying whit grease up inside the cable jacket. I have never done it but have heard of ppl disassembling the cable completely and re lubing them.

I seen one grease zert for one cable. Didn't know if there was something that I was missing.

Try this
http://media.channelblade.com/EProWe...re%20Stiff.pdf

If that doesn't work a new cable is sure bet they are fairly cheap and easy to install (depending on the boat)! You can also try removing the rod on the end of the cable from motor and cleaning out that tube then spray white grease on the end and re install. However if when you pull the cable off of the motor it is still stiff your cable is bad.

If you disconnect and clean and it's still stiff, here is something you can try.get a piece of rubber hose that will fit over cable housing and put a hose clamp around to tighten up and seal. Get a piece of PVC that will fit in hose about 4 ft long. Put pipe in hose and hose clamp. Rig you something to hold pipe straight up above boat. Take a funnel and fill pipe with power steering fluid. Let sit for 24 hrs. Try steering turning it in and out a couple of times. Fill and let sit again. This will help to break down any rust or corrosion that could be in housing. Pain in rear but cheap.

With a 175 you should have dual cables. Disconnect both cables at the motor and make sure the motor will turn easily. If it doesn't the problem is the motor pivot and grease should correct that issue. If the motor is free next you have to verify the cable that goes through the tilt tube is free and not corroded. If it is not you need a cable. I say cable because most of the time you only need one. Disconnect the cables one at a time at the helm and try to eliminate the bad cable. The cables are sealed and not designed to be lubed. Most of the cables are Morse and you can find the part number and length on the cable. They are fairly inexpensive and easy to change unless your jackplate will not let you remove the bad cable. If thats the case you will have to remove the engine.

Thanks for all of the ideas guys, I will have to get to work on this and see what I can do with it.

You are getting good advice in terms of identifying the problem and limping the troubled cable. However, unless the motor is on a jackplate with a reasonable amount of setback, the motor will most likely have to be unbolted from the boat before the primary cable can be withdrawn from the tilt tube. In considering the cost of labor, it may be to your long term advantage to look into a hydraulic steering system. They have come waaayy down in price. Simply cut both cables and remove. The install of the hyd. system is quick and painless. A very easy DIY project. Not to mention the smoothness of the hyd. system can never be matched by the opposing cables. Anyways, just an option you need to know before pouring time and money into your project. Good luck.