Steering Help

[richzz]

I am having a problem with my steering. The wheel is not straight and is hard to turn.Does anyone know what manufacture of the steering system was used on a 2002 Lowe 170W.

 

[GA_Boater]

Not familiar with a Lowe 170W - Outboard or I/O? Power steering I/O? New to you boat with the problem or it's gotten harder to steer as time went by? Has the swivel been greased?

For either OB or I/O, disconnect the cable at the motor end and see if the steering is easier and the OB or outdrive moves from side to side easily.

From the little info provided, it sounds like a complete helm and cable kit may the best choice after some answers from you.

 

[richzz]

Its a 50 H.P. Yamaha, boat is new to me. I will get some pictures tonight and post them.

 

[GA_Boater]

A Yammie has one or two Zerk grease fittings to lube the steering swivel. Has it been greased lately?

You can disconnect the steering cable from the steering link arm and see if the steering wheel turns easier and the motor will move left/right easily. That will point to the helm/cable or motor as the cause of the hard steering.

 

[richzz]

Fixed the steering. I disconnected the steering arm and the motor turned easily and the steering wheel also turns easily. The second picture is the way it was secured. I found that this was putting the steering into a bind. In the first picture is how I adjusted it and it is not binding. Looks like the previous owner just keep greasing it and did not address the problem. Now to clean up the grease mess.