Steering cable ????? How to get it off its really stuck.....

[rib-x450]

Tried to release the steering cable from a 2005 mercury 60hp 2 stroke.

The steering goes tight if left for a few weeks so thought I would remove / check it, but I got really stuck........

I undid the linkage, then manage to remove the brass nut etc. After a fashion of fighting the tube that continually tried to turn round.

The cable started to pull back put of the tube but the likage end wouldnt slide throught the tube? I think it should have pull out quite easily, gave it a few wacks with the hammer and still no joy.

Sprayed WD40 in the ends, took out the grease nipple added more WD40.

The cable wouldnt go back through the engine slide tube. Boat isnt very old so assumed it wouldnt be too trick and hasnt been bodged about by anyone.

Should the cable pull back throught the engine tube easily?

Have I missed somthing?

Hope someone can advise.

Thanks

Chris

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by rib-x450

The cable started to pull back put of the tube but the likage end wouldnt slide throught the tube? ....

....gave it a few wacks with the hammer and still no joy.

Hammering the end of the rod to try to release it can cause the end to expand as the hole for the link bar gets ovalised with all the hammering.

This may be your problem. Does the hole still look round?

Tilt tubes are notorious for seizing up, due to loss of grease. You can buy small gaiters, which help retain it. I've always used automotive track rod end seals around the steering rod & tilt tube to keep all the grease in there.

[ollyit]

are you trying to get it back now you say? through the tilt tube?

[ollyit]

Ive found when re assembling, usings a long skinny item (screw driver maybe) and wrapping it in wet and dry sandpaper, push back and forth all the way through the wd40 a few times and cleaning throughly with wd40 or similar a few times it should go back through, you can carefully do the same with the cable too, you can also gently heat the tilt tube (engine bracket area) without ruining the paint work with a heat gun or safer a hairdryer so it may expand a touch just enough for you to pass the cable through again, (dont heat the cable though), you could grease the cable quickly before offering it on, you'll get it - I've been in your situation a few times

good luck

[Locozodiac]

Seems it's time for a new cable, cut with a saw the left link to engine, the remaining parts will be much easier to remove once cut than as a whole. Sealed steering cables are virtually impossible to re lube. If your steering cable is a removable one, the better, if not, change complete mechanical steering system and cable. Would be nice to place rubber boot ends at both sides to prevent mositure, water, sand, debris, introducing on movable cable. Will last longer lubed.

Happy Boating