Stock Teleflex steering lubrication?

[MikDee]

I have an 89' Bayliner with teleflex steering, guessing it's original, it is hard to turn, is there some way to lube the rack, & pinion? I don't see any zerk fittings on it, under the dash, just the one in the back by the motor?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Stock Teleflex steering lubrication?

The rusting usually happens deep inside the cable and there's nothing to be done except replace the cable. Once it's rusting, it's weakened. That's reason enough to replace it over repairing it. Steering systems are around $170 and just the cable is around $130. I'm betting prices are pretty good here on iboats. Go to the marine store and search for Steering System and Steering Cable. It's close to twenty years old. That's about what you get out of them.

Here's a bargain. Cheaper than the alternative.

 

[Ralphy]

Re: Stock Teleflex steering lubrication?

Amen to WillyB's advice...a 20 year old stiff steering cable is just a a disaster waiting to happen....easy replacement, and peace of mind.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Stock Teleflex steering lubrication?

Thanks, I know I should replace it, but I just got the boat, and am hoping to keep it going for the rest of the season before I change it, which is not much longer here in Pa. maybe, a month or so. For the time being, I wanted to find a way to lube the rack, & pinion, but was surprised to find no grease fitting on it? Besides, I was thinking of trying a different type system, that doesn't pull to the right as strongly, because of prop torque, I guess I'm spoiled because I've had mostly I/O's over the years, with power steering, and now I'm back to an outboard after 30yrs,,, See, I finally wised up,,, LOL

 

[Bondo]

Re: Stock Teleflex steering lubrication?

Ayuh,.......

Unfortunately,.... There's No work around for the steering system,.....

Your's needs Replacing Now, not Later..........

I guess I'm spoiled because I've had mostly I/O's over the years, with power steering, and now I'm back to an outboard after 30yrs,,, See, I finally wised up,,, LOL

And That's Highly Debatable..............

 

[MikDee]

Re: Stock Teleflex steering lubrication?

I didn't ask for an opinion on replacing my system, I just asked a question about lubing it, if anyone knew, or could give me a suggestion. I've got too many other things on my plate right now to spend the time, or the money, to replace it! Plus, like I said, I'm thinking about a better system anyway, I'm too old, & tired now, to be wrestling with the wheel, as I seem to remember about all the outboard boats I had many years ago.

P.S Bondo, don't be taking my words out of context, you know I made reference to the point that I got smart, and got an outboard, instead of an I/O.

 

[Skytop]

Re: Stock Teleflex steering lubrication?

I had the same symptons with my '88 Mariner. The problem was isolated to the tilt tube, where the push/pull tube (?) travels. I disconnected the motor head link, then the cable at the attach point at the tilt. At this point, the steering wheel moves freely, which proves the cable is okay. From the port side of the engine, using varying lengths of round stock, I tapped or drove the push/pull tube back into the tilt tube and was able to observe the corrosion in the tube. I then loosened the engine mount bolts enough that the engine could be angled in a way to allow the steering cable to pass through the acessaries passthru and pounded the cable back a few more inches. In my case, the tilt tube is 5/8" (.625) inside diameter and the push tube is .620. I used a 5/8 flex hone (purchased from J&L Industrial tools) to clean up the corrosion. After cleaning, I reassembled using a generous application of assembly lube. Now it works like new. The cost of the hone was under 20 bucks.