Sticky steering

[Pedrode]

Looking for some help / advice. Boat is a 5mtr Humber with a 60 mariner. After I've left the boat for a few weeks the steering virtually seizes. With some persuasion it frees and gets better with use - but remains stiff on full lock where the rod at the engine end is fully engaged in the steering cyclinder (the other lock where the rod is fully extended is always fine). I've looked at the rod and arm at the engine end and I don't think it's bent. Plenty of grease in the cylinder (topped up at the start of the season). Hypothesis is a corroded or gummed up steering line. Can these be cleaned / greased or is it new steering line time?

[Phil M]

Assuming it is cable steering, then the cable should be lubrication free. People do hang them up (means removing from boat) and dribble oil down them but I don't know how well this works. My first step would be to remove the engine end from the engine, fully extend it then thoroughly clean and re grease. How old is it? They do stiffen up over time and the only real option is to replace the cable. If yours is hydraulic, then ignore me!

Phil

[Peter_C]

I have fixed a completely frozen steering cable by installing a zerk fitting and pumping grease all the way into the cable, while working it back and forth. Never replaced it again after installing a zerk, and would always install a zerk on a replacement cable.

[James3402]

Can you post a link to were you got the zerk fitting from. Please.

[Pedrode]

Originally Posted by Phil M

Assuming it is cable steering, then the cable should be lubrication free. People do hang them up (means removing from boat) and dribble oil down them but I don't know how well this works. My first step would be to remove the engine end from the engine, fully extend it then thoroughly clean and re grease. How old is it? They do stiffen up over time and the only real option is to replace the cable. If yours is hydraulic, then ignore me!

Phil

Thanks all. I know this is a stupid question but how would I know if it's cable or hydraulic?

[Boats&Outboards]

Run an extended 16mm drill bit through the steering tube, it'll clear out any rust or corrosion. The steering saver (zerk fitting) is a cheap future resolution, not many places sell them now though

It looks like this.


It replaces this nut

[Peter_C]

Originally Posted by James3402

Can you post a link to were you got the zerk fitting from. Please.

The zerk fitting came from my tool box collection. They can be purchased at any auto parts store though.

I carefully drilled my cable housing (Morse brand), then with a Dremel type tool, even more carefully removed the plastic cover inside without nicking the cable itself. The zerk screws in, and the grease gun goes pump pump pump, along with working the cable back and forth. Those replacement nuts would be nice, for appropriate circumstances.

[matt h]

From Anglesea Marine supplies .com
boat steering cable lube buddy
Seachoice Boat Steering Cable Buddy
The sea choice boat steering cable buddy should be installed on all cable and side-mounted hydraulic steering systems to lubricate, clean and seal the system. The cable buddy will more than double the life of a new cable system. Manufactured from marine grade stainless steel. Very easy to install in a few minutes. Eliminates greasy steering rods forever. Helps to prevent jammed boat steering cables and outboard tilt tubes.

Special offer price currently only £19.99 plus postage

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by matt h

From Anglesea Marine supplies .com
boat steering cable lube buddy
Seachoice Boat Steering Cable Buddy
The sea choice boat steering cable buddy should be installed on all cable and side-mounted hydraulic steering systems to lubricate, clean and seal the system. The cable buddy will more than double the life of a new cable system. Manufactured from marine grade stainless steel. Very easy to install in a few minutes. Eliminates greasy steering rods forever. Helps to prevent jammed boat steering cables and outboard tilt tubes.

Special offer price currently only £19.99 plus postage

I fitted one of these to my SR a few years back works well at keeping the grease in and the water out, mine dose not make a seal on full lock with the ram in as it steps down to a thinner diameter!
Got mine from the USA as could not find it over here at the time!
I had my cable steering snap on me 2 years ago when out on my Ribeye managed to steer it back bu rigging up 2 ropes and running them around the Aframe to steer changed that to hydraulic

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by Boats&Outboards

Run an extended 16mm drill bit through the steering tube, it'll clear out any rust or corrosion. The steering saver (zerk fitting) is a cheap future resolution, not many places sell them now though

It looks like this.
Attachment 99884

It replaces this nut

Attachment 99885

Just noticed this is fitted the cable end, not the steering arm end as the one I posted about!

[cptsideways]

If you want the right size drill that's extra long I have one that I bought to do my 90hp, used once & sold the engine so its going spare.


Zerk fitting is a great idea

[matt h]

use a zerk fitting and really good. don't use grease that is too thick as will hydraulically lock the steering and pop the O ring seal.... and the thinner grease will make its way up the steering cable/tube.

Also heavily manually grease the top end by the steering box

[Pedrode]

Thanks all. Decided on a new cable and will add the fittings as described. One of many winter projects. Out today in some decent chop - great fun and reminded me that the constant maintenance is worth it.