Outboard Motor Maintenance – Steering Cable

Steering problems are common on Boats with Cable Steering Systems.

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Cables tend to lock up if left unused for any period of time. The “Tilt Tube” that the motor pivots up/down on it hollow, and is used to hold the steering cable. The cable end is a solid rod and passes through the “Tilt Tube” Cables lock up because of rust from the steel tilt tube. The rust expands and constricts the space between the cable end and tilt tube, thereby binding the entire steering system.

If or when you find your cable steering locked up, follow these steps to free up your steering:

Lubricate the area where the cable end meets the tilt tube with penetrating oil.







Disconnect the steering linkage.

Use a pipe wrench on the cable end and have someone keep pressure one the helm(steering wheel) in the direction that extends the cable out (usually a right hand turn).

Once the cable is out it can be cleaned…

Scrape the rust off with a razor knife…

Use wire wheel to clean the anything else adhering to the cable.

Lubricate with lanolin or grease.







Steer the helm back and forth to free up and lubricate the surfaces.







Once it the helm is easy to operate connect the linkage and the boat will now be able and easy to steer.

Hope this post helped to Steer You in the right direction