Two Steering Problems/Issues on Evinrude 200 hp: Could Use Help

[KVH]

Two issues:

a) first, the steering seems increasingly stiff. Hard to turn wheel while docked in my garage. Does the steering wheel and cable at the wheel take any lubricant? It actually seems that the stiffness could be from up front at the wheel and not back at the motor. Back there I've greased the tubes, but I'm all ears in case I'm not doing it correctly. Those zercs are impossible to get at, however, so I drew out the rods at the motor and greased them directly.

b) second, that bolt fitting that attaches the steering arm to the motor arm sure seems flimsy. I am picturing it coming loose and then losing control of the boat. The lower nut must be reversed thread because a clockwise turn loosens it. Here's a picture. Is something wrong here?

 

[racerone]

Seperate the motor from the steering to see if it is the motor or the steering system.--------------??????------So you think it is a left hand thread ???------Perhaps look at this again !

 

[boobie]

The bolt on the bottom is a right hand thread and you tighten that first. And then you put the nut on top, while holding the bolt on the bottom and use the nut for a lock nut.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Most all steering cables were not meant to be lubricated. There are no grease zurks for getting lube into the cable (except the old Merc ride-guide cables-NLA)
Likely, the inner cable is starting to fray (broken wire strands) and those wire ends are staring to catch the outer casing. At this point it will only get worse. Replace the cable with a new one.