Hard to turn steering wheel, noises

[smarks]

Just bought this boat, 1989 4.3 Liter Cobra set up and it's hard to turn steering wheel in either direction. I greased the fitting and put OMC grease on the piston. I also snuged up the power steering belt that was very loose but with little results. I've been reading in different forums here on Iboat about a corroaded tube in the steering cable assembly that needs to be taken apart and cleaned. My question: is this very difficult to do? Details on how to do would be great. Regards to everyone

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: Hard to turn steering wheel, noises

First you need to figure out if that is your problem. Loosen that big nut on the end of the steering cable housing and disconnect the cable end from the tiller arm sticking out of the transom assy. Then try to pull the cable out of the tube. If it doesn't want to come out tap the tiller end with a SOFT hammer. (rubber mallet, brass head hammer) If it's really stuck try penertating oil and let it sit. I f you get it to move, but it stops, douse the nely exposed part and work it back in , then go out again.

 

[triman]

Re: Hard to turn steering wheel, noises

Yep, the first thing to look at is a dirty/stuck/partly jammed tube and various fittings down there. Work slowly and carefully, with good penetrating oil, shop rags etc.
If you prove the the tube is free then look at the actual leg swivel fittings and maybe even the wheel fittings at the dahsboard/helm whatever you call it.

 

[smarks]

Re: Hard to turn steering wheel, noises

Thanks a million for your suggestions, I'll be giving them a try tommorow
4/5/10. I'm guessing that to eliminate any problems at the dash I would need to undo the cable as suggested. If it dosent free up the problem may be in the dash area? Thanks in advance for any help.