I'm ready to replace steering cable. Still have question

[hz293]

1989 Mercruiser 5.0 with power assist. These are really tight quarters to get to the stern end of the cable. What is the connection. If it's a bolt, what size so I don't have to keep trying different size sockets

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... It ends with a cotter pin through a clevis pin,....

The outer casin' is held by a Big nut, size unknown, 'n a socket won't work anyways,...

 

[Rick Stephens]

Not sure why you're replacing it, but if it hasn't been taken apart recently at the stern end, cleaned and lubed, it is most likely all cruded up with old dried lube. When you pull the cotter key and lift the pin, then take the outer casing nut loose, you'll probably have to give a pretty firm jerk on the casing to get it out of the tube. Pulling it out and cleaning/relubing it that every couple years will keep a steering cable going almost forever.

 

[hz293]

Rick, Ive got extremely stiff steering. Yesterday when I put the boat in the water I almost couldn't turn the wheel. In a little while it became easier and we went fishing. It was still stiff but not as bad as when I first put in. I also get a squeak when I turn the wheel and I'm disconnecting the cable at the stern end to see if it's the cable. It's going to be difficult because there's not much room.

 

[Rick Stephens]

I hear you on difficult. I had the motor out and it was still difficult. I'm betting you find it looks like a neanderthal poured sabertooth fat on it, petrified, a few tens of thousands of years ago.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Seems everyone misses the part of applying grease to the steering rod that's inside the guide tube. extend the stterring out al the way, grab a handful of grease and apply to the cable end. the item labled as "D"