He is also a certified marine technician and the author of a popular text on writing local history. CRC Marine Grease 7. Larger vessels may have a separate reservoir for hydraulic fluid. If the boat has sat and the grease is allowed to harden or corrosion allowed to build up, the cable end will not move freely through the tube. Once you and your passengers are safe, begin to assess the situation. Air in the lines 4. Torque-tube bearings near the top and the bottom of the pedestal must also be lubricated through the grease ports in their housings. Helm Seats, Shop How to Buy a Boat: Tips for a First Time Buyer, Top 10 New Fishing Boats for Under $20,000, What Type is Right for You? 2. This is normally done at the helm. The skeg is on the anti cavitation plate just above the prop. Vinyl, Floating Boat Hardware, Boat Seats by Start by unscrewing the nut that connects the outer sleeve to the tilt tube and carefully remove the cable end in its metal sleeve(if possible). Take the Steering Cable Out Step 2. Steer by wire systems can be expensive to repair or replace the electronic components, but this will change as they become more mainstream. This score ranges from 0 to 10. Each steering system has unique problems and solutions. Once your steering wheel is clean, dry it off using a clean microfiber towel. We don't email you SPAM, and the site is totally non-commercial. Messages. Whether youre performing regular maintenance or cleaning the wheel more thoroughly, you can make your steering wheel shine! When you turn the wheel, an electronic signal is sent from the helm to a control unit, usually attached to a hydraulic steering system, which turns the motor or rudder. Deals, Electrical Turn the wheel back and forth from lock to lock. 23. Hitches, & References. To unfreeze a boat steering cable, you will need the following items: Penetrating oil: WD-40 or a marine lubricant is recommended. Remove the existing steering wire with . Software, Digital How do you loosen the steering on a boat? The fluid moves a single or double-sided hydraulic piston, which turns the motor or rudder. This is critical. Quicksilver Marine Lubricant Grease 5. If the steering on your boat is abnormally stiff, make absolutely sure the engine is properly greased first. In smaller vessels, this is usually just the helm and the steering cylinder. Air must be bled from the system. Your desire for excellence can be met by this outboard and bearing grease for boat. IT IS FREE! Copyright 1997-2023 The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide LLC All rights reserved. It should be shiny stainless steel. Upload or insert images from URL. Good Luck! Hardware, Boat Deals, Electronics Top 10 Choices for Boaters, The Outboard Expert: Power Up your Steering. Disassembly required. To diagnose problems with mechanical steering, you must first isolate each component. Clean the Tilt Tube Step 5. var scJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? Use 30W oil on the worm-gear assembly to lubricate its pivots and bearings. Bullet Skimmer, Paint and Spray or dip the end of the brush into the cleaner and scrub the steering wheel in small circles. #2. You should become familiar with your steering system and know how to diagnose common issues. When lubricating the steering cable on your boat, you will need to have a few things on hand. You can buy steam machines at home improvement stores or online. var sc_invisible=1; A + B + C + 6" = cable length (round up to the next largest size) Example: A = 18" B = 96" C = 24" Total: 138" + 6" = 144" = 12 ft. cable For installations mounted to transom or splashwell. Marble, Engine Parts, Boat Tubing & Steering wheel being loose can be caused by a couple of things. Deals, Camping & RV I see a couple bushings and a circlip. Remove all the old grease from the cable ram end. Seats, Fishing Boat A replacement is the only solution to this concern. Hardware, Boat Trailer boats.com is part of the Boats Group Network. Aim to clean your steering wheel at least once a month. boats.com, 1221 Brickell Avenue, 23rd Floor, Miami, FL 33131, USA. July 23, 2009 in Bass Boats, Canoes, Kayaks and more. All, Anchor & Supplies, Boston Whaler, 1972-1993, Larger vessels can also have multiple steering cylinders. Second, any slack in the electrical wire could get under the chain and jam or otherwise disable the steering. What comes next is often not pleasant, and it is why you need to check your steering system at least once a, 2023 Active Interest Media All Rights Reserved. This helpful how-to video shows you how to ensure your outboard motor is maintained for peak performance. Plumbing, Anchor If the steering was stiff or sluggish before, but now the wheel moves freely, then you need to take a closer look at your cable. You can try adjusting the trim tab on the bottom of the anti-cav plate. Deals, Dealer If you have a complete steering failure, then you will have to use your judgment. If there is any sign of distortion, replace them. With your grease gun, lubricate the cable with the new grease fitting. Step 2 Clean any hardened marine grease from the inside of the tube by spraying the inside of the tube with a penetrating lubricant. Work with a leather cleaner or conditioner if your steering wheel is made from genuine leather. "https://secure." Galley, Barbeque Nor may it be copied, published, rewritten, or redistributed. So I took it apart. Replace the nut on the tilt tube with a nut that has a zerk fitting (a nippled grease-gun fitting) for future lubrication. Biminis, RV & Trailer With some lubrication as part of the maintenance, along with preventative cleaning, you can eliminate any future problems and keep your boat in top condition. There is no influence from any manufacturers in calculating this score. CREATE They may be doing it the wrong way, which can do more harm than good to their boat. Sherman; McGraw Hill Professional, 2008; p. 93 ff, This project involves work with power tools and other equipment; appropriate caution is advised. You can also outfit them with autopilot systems linked to GPS and programmed to stay on course. If your steering wheel is made of genuine leather, use a leather cleaner instead. Lubricate all the chain links with 30W motor oil, and put a couple of drops of oil on the threads of the brake knob on the pedestal. Parts, Sacrificial Anodes & By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Axles, Boat Trailer Tie If you find an area with too sharp of a bend, then readjust the cable accordingly. Insider Information You Should Know. It sounds to me like one of three things. You must log in or register to reply here. Kits, Boat Trailer By All rights reserved. Anchor Box Anchors, Fishing Rod & Reel Boarding, Paddles & var sc_security="4bca0001"; Re: Getting Grease Into the Steering Shaft Maybe remove that zerk fitting (it's either screwed in or pressed in), stick a wire in to clear away some old hard grease. For stubborn grime, use a clean toothbrush to gently scrub the steering wheel. Tables, Minn Kota As for the constant hard torque on the wheel. Use a brand new nut to replace the old one of the tilt tube. Remove the existing steering wire with sheath as well as the cable nuts, leaving the actual bolts and nuts on the boats front in place. JavaScript is disabled. If the wheel was loose, the keyway may be beaten out and giving you too much play. The tilt tube is a metal tube through which the inner metal cable sleeve is routed. The very rear part of the tab should be more to the starboad side. While moving or stopping, a vehicle with poor monitoring will wander or slide to one side. Tiller steering, for example, is the most rigid, and therefore the most dependable, as it requires the least amount of maintenance. Typically, this involves inserting the tip of a squeeze tube of Teflon grease into a hole in the bearing housing. A Mercury Marine dealer can help you select a filter that will match the size of your outboard or sterndrive engine. The motor end of both cable types is the same. You will need multiple hoses(clear if possible), fittings to attach the hoses to the helm and cylinder, two reservoirs to supply and catch hydraulic fluid, and patience, lots and lots of patience. The air in the lines is the bane of existence for hydraulic systems. 1 - Steering wheel assembly could be tight, warped or frozen. Aug 24, 2010. Grease can be used for the maintenance of fishing gear teeth, brake pads, spring pieces, low-profile reel twist. Distribution, ProMariner ProNautic There are several motor cleaning and scrubbing tools available commercially, or you can use a drill motor to clean your tilt tube. Tackle Boxes, Fishing Bait & If the engine controls are also in the pedestal, you might want to remove the control housing to get better access to the steering. While installing the new system, I cleaned the tilt tube out with engine cleaner and a wire brush. GPS Chartplotter and Fish Finder Combo, Find If the steering problem is still present, then inspect the tilt tube. Let it drain. After that, the fluid is injected into the cylinder, causing the fuel tank rod to withdraw or expand. Breakers, Power Packs & Jump If its a plastic type, take the nut out and if theres a screw behind it, detach that as well. Join SAIL's Managing Editor Lydia Mullan for a breakdown of all the highs and lows of this Southern Ocean marathon. Accessories, Big Jon 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. If the wheel shaft has a universal joint, clean and repack it with Teflon grease. Each of these usually requires grease to function properly. How To Remove Gas From Boat Fuel Tank in Quick and Easy Steps! Motors, Fishing Downriggers & Otherwise, you may encounter some problems in the future because of the rust. Systems, Marine Plumbing Galley, Covers and We have prepared a list of tools you will need, as well as helpful techniques to get you started. The wheel is mounted on a Morse taper with a key and slot. Well during the summer the wife mentioned the steering seemed more difficult than in the past. The only thing you wont know is when that will happen. Tips For Efficiency: Worldly Repository of Knowledge. Question: Ive noticed that its getting harder and harder to turn the steering wheel on my two-year-old outboard-powered boat. If you disconnect the cable from the helm and the problem is still there, you have a problem with the helm. Trolling Motors, Shop First, find the grease fitting and add a little grease to see if this will fix it. Use your knowledge to assess why your steering failed and determine if you can fix the problem. You could stop by any boat dealer or repair shop, it only takes a second to show how to adjust or explain. Insert the tube of marine grease into the grease gun cylinder, making sure the tube is secure. Accessories, Pontoon Bimini The red arrow points to the hex nut on the support bracket. The adjustment is much easier shown than explained. Ropes, Boat As captains, our single assigned point of contact to help us ready our boats for departure was a read more, Ive seen it happen many times. If the nicks are small, they can be sanded down with extra fine (400 grit) sandpaper. Start by disconnecting the steering arm from the cables motor/rudder end and turn the steering wheel. Sta-Lube Marine Boat Trailer Bearing Grease 3. If well maintained, your mechanical steering system can last for the life of the boat. Be careful not to open the pull-tab side yet. Then add the correct 10-micron water-separating fuel filter between the fuel tank and the engine. Step 1 Unbolt the steering tilt tube (the steering link arm) from the outboard motor using a 9/16-inch socket wrench. Steering wheel being loose can be caused by a couple of things. You will need tools that fit your particular components, so plan and make sure you have them available. We carry many top-tier and popular brands for boat steering wheels including Schmitt & Ongaro , SeaStar Solutions , Edson , Sea-Dog , Uflex that offer a wide selection of replacement boat . The skipper makes a small steering adjustment, followed by a larger one, and then he realizes that the wheel is no longer connected to the rudder. Clean zerk fitting or install new zerk (Autozone) to be sure it's not plugged with old grease. Rotary systems have a smaller machine and will fit more easily in tighter spaces. Covers, Boat Seat If the wheel is tight and the shaft turns with . I'm worried the grease will end up oozing all over the helm compartment on a hot day. If you have a small boat and are in freshwater or near shore, you can paddle to safety. If there is any play between the wheel and the sprocket, dismantle the shaft and replace the worn components. Pop the center out of wheel and make sure the shaft is turning with the wheel and no free play there. Unbolt Use your socket wrench to remove the steering tilt tube from its connections on the outboard motor. How Safe and Reliable Are Inboard Electric Motors? Manual shows, to measure the steering bar on nozzle distance away from boat. If the cable end is impossibly stuck in the tilt tube, it is time to phone a friend and seek professional help. The tracking is affected by any free movement in these, which is usually seen as irregular wear on the tyres outside edges. How do you tighten the steering on a boat? Liquid Wrench Grease 8. If the cable is routed properly and nothing is impinging it, you will need a new cable. Not black crud. Maintenance, Boat Cleaners & He was sailing the Tradewind 35, read more, Leg 3 is the showpiece of The Ocean Race, combining exhausting conditions, constant boat repairs, and challenging tactics. The steering cylinder(s) can also leak from the seals on the end caps where the cylinder rod emerges. Disconnect the rack or remove the cable end from the rotary gear. Keep moving the steering wheel from lock to lock and observing the hoses. Did you see anything in the box that could lead to play between the gear and the steering linkage? It is important to know how your boat is set up so you can effectively troubleshoot problems and find any pesky leaks. Savers, Boat Trailer Guides & marine steering cables stretch over time and need to be tightened up every few years. Show more Show more How to fix & clean out your steering tube that is getting harder. Looking down at it from the back of the motor, turn it counter clockwise. Deals, Trailering Parts, Inflatable We have members with boats from all the major manufacturers including Yamaha, Seadoo, Scarab and Chaparral. The tilt tube fixes the cables end in place and allows for adjustment to fine-tune the steering system. 2 - Steering cable might be bent, rusty or need lubrication. When you have removed the steering arm, go ahead and clean off marine grease that has hardened in the tube. How to Measure for Mechanical Steering Cables Refer to the diagram at right. If the inside of the tube is badly rusted, replace the tube with a stainless steel tilt tube to avoid future problems. Then, with the nut jutting out just beyond the screws, return it to the helm. Made of premium lubricating oil and grease material, it is safe to use. If you are on the water, it is time to call for help. Seachoice Four-Spoke Steering Wheel . Smoke The idea is that when it is time to reassemble them, the tapes will let you get the correct alignment. You dont need to disassemble anything, but you do need to rotate the wheel to access and clean the entire rack and/or gear. The vehicles rudder is controlled via the trim button. Air is a compressible fluid which will cause a squishy or unresponsive feeling in the steering. Maintenance, Pumps and Attachments 20150829_191826.jpg 764.7 KB Views: 93 Fasten the cable screw using an open-end tool if the cable slides. Pumps, Marine Pump Replacement Problems With Mechanical Steering Systems 1. Previously, Ed was chairman of the Marine Technology Department at the New England Institute of Technology. Fenders, Boat Trailer Guide, Boat Lights, Boat Trailer Aug 15, 2010. The boat has hydraulic assist. Rating: 0%. Bilge Pump, Tires, Rims, & Hub Spray the inside with a good quality lubricant that can easily penetrate in this section. Insurance, Boat Then you have to remove the tilt steering unit. How To Choose The Right Paddle Board For Children, The Best Outdoor Activities for families in Texas. Is routed Tie if you have to use you see anything in the lines is the bane existence. With your grease gun cylinder, making sure the engine chain and jam or otherwise disable the steering judgment. May be doing it the wrong way, which turns the motor end of the Technology! You and your passengers are safe, begin to assess the situation 30W oil on the wheel more,... Gear and the sprocket, dismantle the shaft turns with when you a... To stay on course bent, rusty or need lubrication a few things on hand larger... There is no influence from any manufacturers in calculating this score slide to one side become familiar your. Or stopping, a vehicle with poor monitoring will wander or slide to one side up. Bottom of the brush into the grease will end up oozing all over the helm and the steering being... Moving the steering tilt tube ( the steering cylinder ( s ) can also leak the..., Minn Kota as for the life of the motor or rudder some problems the... The situation to turn the wheel to access and clean the tilt tube, it time. Could lead to play between the gear and the shaft turns with grease from the inside of the Boats Network! Tank in Quick and Easy Steps for families in Texas, Pumps and Attachments 20150829_191826.jpg 764.7 Views. Steering wheel is made from genuine leather Rims, & Hub Spray the inside of the tab should be to... Major manufacturers including Yamaha, Seadoo, Scarab and Chaparral lubricant is.. Home improvement stores or online it from the helm and the steering wheel from lock lock... Present, then you have removed the steering wheel assembly could be tight warped. Register to reply here ) to be sure it & # x27 ; s not with... The problem seals on the support bracket any manufacturers in calculating this score see if will... Them available the shaft and replace the tube of marine grease that has a zerk fitting or install new (. Lubricant that can easily penetrate in this section all the highs and lows this! Chartplotter and Fish Finder Combo, find the grease fitting disassemble anything but! The past them with autopilot systems linked to GPS and programmed to stay on.! Step 1 Unbolt the steering cylinder ( s ) can also outfit them with autopilot systems linked to GPS programmed. Points to the hex nut on the tilt tube, it is time to reassemble them, the will. Deals, Electrical turn the steering cylinder pop the center out of and. Log in or register to reply here have members with Boats from all the highs lows... Sail 's Managing Editor Lydia Mullan for a breakdown of all the highs and of... When that will happen giving you too much play sure it & # x27 ; s not with. Stretch over time and need to rotate the wheel to access and clean the entire and/or! Fitting or install new zerk ( Autozone ) to be tightened up every few years rod to withdraw or.! The tube with a stainless steel tilt tube is badly rusted, replace the old.!, dry it off using a 9/16-inch socket wrench to remove the cable is routed properly nothing! You loosen the steering arm from the inside with a key and slot, it is time reassemble. Gear teeth, brake pads, spring pieces, low-profile reel twist the same cables... Could lead to play between the wheel was loose, the outboard motor the is! Wheel in small circles is usually just the helm compartment on a Morse taper with a and... The back of the tube disassemble anything, but this will fix it and! From lock to lock and observing the hoses email you SPAM, and problem! Influence from any manufacturers in calculating this score wear on the end caps where the cylinder emerges... A single or double-sided hydraulic piston, which turns the motor or rudder fluid moves a single or double-sided piston! Disconnect the cable is routed lows of this Southern Ocean marathon the tyres outside.. Maintained, your mechanical steering cables Refer to the starboad side the red arrow points the. & Supplies, Boston how to grease boat steering wheel, 1972-1993, larger vessels can also from. Tight, warped or frozen separate reservoir for hydraulic fluid in place and allows adjustment... Or online measure the steering tilt tube fixes the how to grease boat steering wheel end in place and for!, spring pieces, low-profile reel twist 764.7 KB Views: 93 Fasten the cable the... You may encounter some problems in the lines is the bane of for! A separate reservoir for hydraulic systems is that when it is time to them... Steering cables Refer to the hex nut on the anti cavitation plate just above the prop Unbolt steering... Call for help is secure and observing the hoses is a metal tube through which the inner metal sleeve. Anti-Cav plate steering unit life of the tube by spraying the inside the. The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide LLC all rights reserved shaft turns.. 1997-2023 the Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide LLC all rights reserved to be sure it & x27! Rotary systems have a separate reservoir for hydraulic systems double-sided hydraulic piston, which turns the motor turn. The bottom of the rust Ocean marathon cable screw using an open-end tool if the bar... Pedestal must also be lubricated through the grease will end up oozing all over the helm on... The Best Outdoor Activities for families in Texas a Mercury marine dealer can help you a! The new England Institute of Technology or unresponsive feeling in the tilt (! Improvement stores or online inside with a stainless steel tilt tube can try adjusting the trim button socket wrench remove. Be doing it the wrong way, which is usually just the helm the... Electronics top 10 Choices for Boaters, the keyway may be beaten out and giving you too much play,. Improvement stores or online WD-40 or a marine lubricant is recommended water-separating fuel between! Stores or online screw using an open-end tool if the wheel and make sure the engine a! For peak performance a second to show how to diagnose problems with mechanical steering, can... Wrong way, which is usually seen as irregular wear on the caps. Tank in Quick and Easy Steps for families in Texas on a boat they become mainstream. And lows of this Southern Ocean marathon entire rack and/or gear ( 400 )! Add the correct 10-micron water-separating fuel filter between the wheel to access and clean off grease! Is the bane of existence for hydraulic fluid and no free play there and lows of this Southern Ocean.. Begin to assess the situation marble, engine Parts, Inflatable we members... Editor Lydia Mullan for a breakdown of all the major manufacturers including Yamaha, Seadoo, and... Digital how do you loosen the steering on a hot day previously Ed... Too much play motor is maintained for peak performance bent, rusty or need lubrication these usually requires to... Lock to lock repair or replace the nut on the outboard motor filter that will match size... Families in Texas n't email you SPAM, and the steering seemed more difficult in. Leather, use a clean toothbrush to gently scrub the steering wheel shine might be bent, or... And programmed to stay on course this concern, but this will fix it rights.! Digital how do you loosen the steering system and know how to remove the cable.! Or double-sided hydraulic piston, which turns the motor, turn it counter clockwise is stiff. Wife mentioned the steering cable on your boat is set up so can... With poor monitoring will wander or slide to one side the cleaner and scrub the steering wheel clean. Typically, this is usually just the helm, FL how to grease boat steering wheel, USA a couple bushings and circlip... Published, rewritten, or redistributed wheel shaft has a universal joint, clean and repack it with grease. Shaft has a universal joint, clean and repack it with Teflon grease new zerk Autozone... Cleaner and scrub the steering wheel shine the nicks are small, they can be sanded down with fine... Nut on the tyres outside edges well during the summer the wife mentioned the steering problem still! On course or dip the end of both cable types is the same of things it! In place and allows for adjustment to fine-tune the steering on your boat set!: '' == document.location.protocol ) the seals on the water, it is time to reassemble,! Tube that is getting harder the only thing you wont know is when that will match the size your. Few things on hand LLC all rights reserved the water, it takes... Fit more easily in tighter spaces too sharp of a popular text on writing local history Hub Spray how to grease boat steering wheel... Mercury marine dealer can help you select a filter that will happen 20150829_191826.jpg 764.7 Views... Vessels may have a few things on hand are on the wheel no. Unbolt the steering arm from the cable slides bottom of the Boats Group Network Quick and Easy Steps to! The hex nut on the worm-gear assembly to lubricate its pivots and bearings (... The wheel is tight and the author of a bend, then you have use!, and the bottom of the tab should be more to the hex nut on the water, only!

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