Stiff steering

[midsized johnson]

I've got a 115 hp Johnson with stiff steering issues. I took the steering cable out and cleaned the cable and the inside of the tilt tube and the helm and steering cable move freely, so I believe I've isolated it to the steering tube. I pumped grease into the tube until the red grease I used came out the top seal. However, it is still difficult to turn the steering wheel. My guess is that the old grease has set up in the base and isn't allowing a full greasing of the tube. I'm thinking of heating the base of the tube housing and trying to get grease all the way through. Has anyone done this, or am I off base on fixing it?
Thanks in advance for any advice or tips.

 

[dodgeboy1979]

Re: Stiff steering

i wonder if you can try and get a lighter lube or carb type cleaner in there to free up the old grime and what not, then start adding new grease to push the old crap out.

 

[midsized johnson]

Re: Stiff steering

i wonder if you can try and get a lighter lube or carb type cleaner in there to free up the old grime and what not, then start adding new grease to push the old crap out.

Actually considered that and have not ruled it out. The grease zerks on the steering tube are all gunked up, with grease that's the consistency of wax, and not able to grease them. That and the fact that the old grease came out from the top of the steering tube and not the base, makes me think the base of the steering tube may be the same way.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Stiff steering

Actually considered that and have not ruled it out. The grease zerks on the steering tube are all gunked up, with grease that's the consistency of wax, and not able to grease them. That and the fact that the old grease came out from the top of the steering tube and not the base, makes me think the base of the steering tube may be the same way.

The newer systems tell you not to pump grease into those zerks because over time the grease hardens and causes what you describe, but usually in the cable. I personally would take the connector off the motor and make sure the motor itself is turning easily. If so, I'd consider a new system. Yours may just be worn out.

 

[boobie]

Re: Stiff steering

The grease fittings are not for the steering tube. They are for the pivot points only on the tube to raise and lower the mtr. Sounds like the tube is still dirty inside. Get the right brush and clean the inside of the tube and maybe the steering will work.

 

[midsized johnson]

Re: Stiff steering

The grease fittings are not for the steering tube. They are for the pivot points only on the tube to raise and lower the mtr. Sounds like the tube is still dirty inside. Get the right brush and clean the inside of the tube and maybe the steering will work.

Yeah, I meant the tilt tube zerks. I cleaned the steering tube and rod then greased them real well. There's is good movement without the motor's steering arm attached and the motor doesn't seem to move as freely as it should when not attached, this makes me think the steering tube has some hardened grease in it.

 

[boobie]

Re: Stiff steering

You may have some probs in the mtrs pivot shaft. Seen it happen.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Stiff steering

It sounds like your problem is not with the steering mechanism, but is a problem with binding in the engine. As boobie indicated, direct your attention from the two tilt tube grease zurks to the third one on the middle of the swivel bracket. That zurk internally lubes the engine's steering arm assembly. As you pump grease in, it should come out two places: at the top and bottom of the swivel bracket. You'll need a waterproof grease in that application. Once you get grease flowing out the top/bottom swivel bracket seals the engine should hopefully turn easier.

 

[midsized johnson]

Re: Stiff steering

It sounds like your problem is not with the steering mechanism, but is a problem with binding in the engine. As boobie indicated, direct your attention from the two tilt tube grease zurks to the third one on the middle of the swivel bracket. That zurk internally lubes the engine's steering arm assembly. As you pump grease in, it should come out two places: at the top and bottom of the swivel bracket. You'll need a waterproof grease in that application. Once you get grease flowing out the top/bottom swivel bracket seals the engine should hopefully turn easier.

Maybe I'm not using proper terminology. What I called the steering tube was the housing for the rod that the motor turns on. That's the part I greased (single grease zerk behind a swivel bracket) that only had grease coming out the top. The original question was about heating the bottom part where grease isn't coming out, possibly loosening hardened grease. Maybe I just need to pump more grease in?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Stiff steering

Trying to add more grease is probably easier than disassembly and cleaning at this point. It's considerably cheaper... I'd probably tie/wind a rope/strap around the upper seal area to help force more of the grease to the bottom seal area when you are pumping with your grease gun.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Stiff steering

I have used a rope to lift the motor up on the swivel shaft. This closes up the gap in the top of the swivel shaft, where the grease flows freely, and increases the size of the gap in the bottom of the swivel shaft where the grease did not flow well and where the motor was bound up. It may fix it only temporarily.....

 

[midsized johnson]

Re: Stiff steering

I like both of the above ideas. I can figure out emdsapmgr's method, but Chris, I may need some help on that one. How did you get the rope in there?

 

[rothfm]

Re: Stiff steering

Been through this in a big way..My end result was no matter what I did I eventually had to remove the pivot assm and take it apart-alot of work.

I did try ecetone/tranny fluid soaks, heat, more lube--everything mentioned on this site. Over 2 weeks with little results. When it freed a bit, it would eventually tighten up again.

When I eventually got it apart, I found the seals in bad shape, and the culprit was the upper nylon bushing was cracked and binding up the shaft due to corrosion in there.

I still have it all apart and cleaned, just have to get a bushing and seals. Its my desk as a "trophy" to the testament of what a job it was to get it all apart

SIDENOTE: I just got an incredibly clean freshwater complete 25" swivel (with steering arm) off Ebay for $167 including shipping. Very very worth the price considering how much time/effort it can take to fully dissmantle and repair!

 

[midsized johnson]

Re: Stiff steering

Been through this in a big way..My end result was no matter what I did I eventually had to remove the pivot assm and take it apart-alot of work.

I did try ecetone/tranny fluid soaks, heat, more lube--everything mentioned on this site. Over 2 weeks with little results. When it freed a bit, it would eventually tighten up again.

When I eventually got it apart, I found the seals in bad shape, and the culprit was the upper nylon bushing was cracked and binding up the shaft due to corrosion in there.

I still have it all apart and cleaned, just have to get a bushing and seals. Its my desk as a "trophy" to the testament of what a job it was to get it all apart

SIDENOTE: I just got an incredibly clean freshwater complete 25" swivel (with steering arm) off Ebay for $167 including shipping. Very very worth the price considering how much time/effort it can take to fully dissmantle and repair!

Ouch! She steers well enough, just sticky. It's gonna have to lock up all the way before I go that route. Cool that you found the parts at such a good price!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Stiff steering

MJ, I tilt the motor all the way up. I then tie the rope in a loop, around the antiventilation plate and the transom bracket. Using a rod I twist the rope loop and tighten like a turniquet. Wiggling the powerheat helps it move up. Once the motor raises up, grease the crap out of her.

It should last at least a year. If not, you may have issues with the bushings.

 

[midsized johnson]

Re: Stiff steering

MJ, I tilt the motor all the way up. I then tie the rope in a loop, around the antiventilation plate and the transom bracket. Using a rod I twist the rope loop and tighten like a turniquet. Wiggling the powerheat helps it move up. Once the motor raises up, grease the crap out of her.

It should last at least a year. If not, you may have issues with the bushings.

I see! Thanks, may give that a try if it doesn't loosen up with the additional grease I put in.