Cable Buddy? 1988 88HP Johnson hard steering

[Old No 7]

I have a 1989 johnson 88HP that is hard to steer at the very end of the run, but only to the right. Turning to the left is fine. <br /><br />From advice given on another post, I cleaned the tilt tube as much as I could, and sprayed the ram? (Not sure if that is the correct name) with PB buster about 30 times, and then used One lube.<br /><br />It turns much better now, but it still hangs up at the extreme end when turning to the right. With the space at my dock tight, and me not very good at docking, I would rather not have to fight the wheel so much.<br /><br />There are 3 grease fittings in and around the tilt tube. The folks at west Marine said to use marine axle grease there. I thought that was a bit too heavy, so i went to another local boat supply store. They suggested installing a "Cable buddy". That is where the tilt tube nut is replaced with one that has a fitting. You drill a hole through the tube and the new nut as a guide and use that to insert the special lubricant. <br /><br />What should I do??? <br /><br />My tilt tube nut is fairly corroded, so replacing it will not be easy.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Cable Buddy? 1988 88HP Johnson hard steering

Lube it, see how it feels. If you're still unhappy then spend the $$$ to try the buddy... that's what I'd do anyway.. If you're concerned about the type of grease, just buy the Johnson branded one they recommend for those fittings. If you don't have a manual ask people in the outboard section here and/or visit Johnson's web site and see if there's an answer there.

 

[Old No 7]

Re: Cable Buddy? 1988 88HP Johnson hard steering

The people at the marine store that recommended the cable buddy said that they found that using marine grease would bind up the steering cable, and that Johnson no longer recommended using grease.<br /><br />Is that true?<br /><br />What is everyone using?

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Cable Buddy? 1988 88HP Johnson hard steering

So they recommend the cable buddy so you can grease your cable,and also recommend using no grease ? ? ?<br /><br />I like OMC (BRP) Triple Guard Grease.It is thick,and that helps keep out moisture,slowing down corrosion.<br /><br />DHP<br /><br />I doubt Johnson or anyone suggests no grease.I suggest you don't over grease.Have you thought about a new shop ?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Cable Buddy? 1988 88HP Johnson hard steering

Been using grease for a long time. Even bought a cable buddy with the grease nipple

 

[cpj]

Re: Cable Buddy? 1988 88HP Johnson hard steering

you mmight get lucky with the cable buddy but I wouldnt bet on it.If it is the original cable you might consider replacing it.The cable buddy is only going to lube the 1st 3 to 4 feet of the cable IF you are lucky.I tried to lube one of mine and it didnt work too well.After I changed it, I cut back the outer sheath(of the old one) on the cable and it was rusted all but 2 feet on an 11 foot cable.You can get the whole helm and new cable for about 150$.I know it hurts the pocket book,but you will be happy that you did.Not to mention when the steering hangs up and you cant turn,(like mine did)and run into something,(like a partially submerged log that came out of nowhere)you will reaaly wish you had done it.

 

[tangent]

Re: Cable Buddy? 1988 88HP Johnson hard steering

I agree with cpj, grease isn't going to help if there is a problem. It should move smoothly over the whole range.

 

[Old No 7]

Re: Cable Buddy? 1988 88HP Johnson hard steering

Can a cable be bad if the steering works fine through it's entire range to the left and 80% to the right? It only hangs up at the extreme end when turning right. <br /><br />Thanks! I appreciate all the input

 

[cpj]

Re: Cable Buddy? 1988 88HP Johnson hard steering

Yes.Thats what mine did.