Lubricating steering cables.

Bill kizer · Post by **Bill kizer** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 2:29 pm

I have a nitro 882 without pwr steering and my steering is extremely tight. Is there a way to lubricate the steering cable or do I need to take it in? I've already sprayed it with wd 40 and a penetrating oil.

rico · Post by **rico** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 4:59 pm

You could have one or a combination of problems. One of your cables might have a lot of rust on it or one of the cables is started to fray. Both of these would cause hard steering.

kb · Post by kb » Sat Feb 02, 2008 5:17 pm

Bill the bad part is where the cables usually rust you normally can't get any lube in there to break them loose. If the steering cables are rusted and they are getting tight then they need replaced. If it is dual steering you may be able to get away with replacing just one of the cables. This usually needs to have the motor removed from the boat to get the old cables out and the new cables in. This is usually a job for a dealer or repair shop. Don't keep running it thinking it will loosen up. From prior experience they usually seize up not loosen up and is pretty dangerous and ruins a good day on the water.

Good Luck

aNNieNsaLTIE · Post by **aNNieNsaLTIE** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 8:27 pm

bill,

So did you already try to lube your staring rod by attaching your grease gun to the little nipple in the center of your motor. You said you sprayed a couple of things on it but i know that does not help. I am pretty sure you need to pack the sucker with some grease.

anyone correct me if i am wrong...

saLTIE-

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 8:29 pm

Bill,

Listen to kb. I have never heard of a sticking cable getting better no matter how hard you try to free or lube it. The first time you leave it in one position it will seize again. Worse yet, it is likely going to break on you trying to free it. Also, even if it is working now, when you go out on a wet day, it will seize on you out on the water and that is dangerous.

The only cure once rust has started is to replace the cable.

LeroyH · Post by **LeroyH** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 7:54 am

I had the same problem on an 02 skeeter with dual cables. I was told to never use marine grease on them, but to use a special oil/lube. I tried it, but my cables were too far gone. I ordered my cables from a company back east and put mine on by myself (Saved a few loomis rods). I did not have to pull my motor, but it was a tight fit since the cables do not bend that much and you have to insert the ends through the motor's guides.

Here is a link to the oil/lube I was told to use. Good luck and take care of it soon. It's hard to avoid those floating logs this time of the year with jacked up cables

http://www.discountmarinesupplies.com/L ... E_KIT.html

and bass pro shots site
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/store ... rchResults

Zedonis · Post by **Zedonis** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 9:53 am

Bill,

You have probably been told that it might be a good time to switch to hydraulic steering and personnally I am sold that this is a great way to go. I too have had cables freeze on me. And while I was able to get them unstuck they will eventually haunt you again in the near future at an unexpected time. If they are getting tight there is likely rust inside the cables which means there is not much you can do other than replace the cables and or switch to hydraulic. Now if you choose to replace the cables there may be some things you can do to extend the life of the new cables with what I believe that call a "steering nut", which has an o-ring to prevent water from geting inside. Ask the mechanic about these as they are cheap and have been used in the past. Good luck in your decisions.

Paul

gabuelhaj · Post by **gabuelhaj** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 10:13 am

Your tilt tube is full of crud and rust. Disconnect your cable from the tilt tube completely or as much as you can.

Get your shot gun cleaning kit and put on the wire brush cylinder. Then use this to clean the bore of the tilt tube. Clean as much of the tube as you can.

Then put the rod back in and see if the steering is freed up or not. Repeat if not...

Then use nothing but oil. Never ever use grease!

This is what you need to do before you go out and buy new cables or convert to hydrolic.

If you do replace with cables, replace both and include the helm. eBay has them from time to time so check there. And, run two pull ropes, not just one. Use each pull rope for each cable. It will fish easier that way.

Good luck!

blkdog812 · Post by **blkdog812** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 1:54 pm

dont use wd or penatrating oil on ur cables, they are solvents and they will remove the grease from the cable and u will have problems. u dont have to remove the motor to install new cables and u can do them ur self. before you install the new cables, take um apart and us merc 101 grease on them to lube and protect them. if youve got the money hydrolic is the only way