Steering tube bushings

[derekv]

I just recieved my Seloc repair manual, expecting to have some info on changing the motor mounts and steering tube bushings but as far as I can tell there no info on this. It took me a few hours to take the top motor mounts appart out as the bolts that hold the mount had seized tight in the mounts aluminum housings. The motors a merc 1976 65hp I guess after 30 years they wanted to stay put. I was going to takle the task of removing the steering tube bushings tonight and was wondering if there was anything special I need to know before I do this.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Steering tube bushings

Elto, I changed the upper motor mounts on my 1977 Merc this summer. Mercury wanted $12 each for just the bolts. Internet sources wanted about the same with shipping included. I ended up getting them for $1.25 each at a local fastener shop. They were six inch long, fine thread, grade 8, 7/16" bolts. I was cautioned to use only grade 8 bolts, because stainless steel bolts are not strong enough (maybe grade 5??).<br /><br />I have never changed the swivel bushings. They never had too much play in them.