Tight Steering

[BwFLboat89]

I noticed my steering has been getting stiffer over the past year. I tracked the problem down to the hinges on the transom. I used to penetrating oil to get them to move better. What are these spots called and how do I grease or oil them? What products do you guys recommend? See picture. I circled the hinges I'm referring to. Its a Mercruiser Alpha one inboard outboard.
Thank you for the help!

 

[BwFLboat89]

I noticed my steering has been getting stiffer over the past year. I tracked the problem down to the hinges on the transom. I used penetrating oil to get them to move better. What are these spots called and how do I grease or oil them? What products do you guys recommend? See picture. I circled the hinges I'm referring to. Its a Mercruiser Alpha one inboard outboard.
Thank you for the help!

 

[Chris1956]

Clean and grease the steering rod on that Alpha. That is what usually gets hard to move.

Those "hinges" are greasable.

 

[todhunter]

There should be zerk fittings to allow you to pump grease into the upper and lower steering pins.

 

[BwFLboat89]

There should be zerk fittings to allow you to pump grease into the upper and lower steering pins.

I've looked, but not seeing any grease fittings on those. I only see the one on the side for gimbal bearing.

 

[BwFLboat89]

Clean and grease the steering rod on that Alpha. That is what usually gets hard to move.

Those "hinges" are greasable.

Thanks for the response. I disconnected the steering rod and turned the steering wheel with ease. The cable and rod are moving freely, its the pivot points on the Transom which I lubed with penetrating oil and it finally freed up nicely. What type or grease do you recommend? Should I just brush it on? I dont see any grease fittings in the area.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,.... For the MC-1/ Alpha drives, the most greaseable transom assemblies were the '84/ '85 models, since then Merc has been eliminating zerks,....
Today, I believe there are None,.....

I've added 'em myself, with a #3 drill, a 1/4"-28 tap, 'n a box of grease fittin's,.....

 

[Chris1956]

Some sort of marine grease is fine. There should be some zerc fittings on the swivel joint of the outdrive.

 

[Bondo]

Please read our forum rules,.....

Ask yer question only once, in only one forum,.....

Thank you,..... I merged yer 2 threads from 2 forums,....

 

[BwFLboat89]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,.... For the MC-1/ Alpha drives, the most greaseable transom assemblies were the '84/ '85 models, since then Merc has been eliminating zerks,....
Today, I believe there are None,.....

I've added 'em myself, with a #3 drill, a 1/4"-28 tap, 'n a box of grease fittin's,.....

I think I"ll just brush on that grease around / on the assemblies. I appreciate it!

 

[BwFLboat89]

Please read our forum rules,.....

Ask yer question only once, in only one forum,.....

Thank you,..... I merged yer 2 threads from 2 forums,....

Sorry, first time.