Electronics will also be used for all other boat controls like the throttle and, of course, the autopilot. If you have a small boat and are in freshwater or near shore, you can paddle to safety. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Grease the cable through the newly installed grease fitting with a grease gun, using the marine grease recommended by the steering system manufacturer. Rating: 0%. Just a little grease and light oil applied as demonstrated in this Mercury Quick Tip will not only help your engine have a long, trouble-free life, it will also ensure your steering is smooth and responsive every time you hit the water. Use 30W oil on the worm-gear assembly to lubricate its pivots and bearings. Dont apply too much pressure while youre cleaning or else it may lift some of the color from the material. Distribution, ProMariner ProNautic Hardware, Boat Seat JavaScript is disabled. at 3mph or less. How to Measure for Mechanical Steering Cables Refer to the diagram at right. Remove the binnacle from your steering pedestal and you are 10 times more likely to find a sprocket than a gear, because most wheel-steered sailboats produced in this country have a chain-and-wire system that turns the rudder by pulling on a pair of wire ropeslike reins on a horse. However, if there is a lot of rust in the tube, you need to replace it with a stainless steel type of tilt tube. For stubborn grime, use a clean toothbrush to gently scrub the steering wheel. Bilge Pumps, Shop When you extend the steering rod and grease it, an O-ring wipes all the grease off as it retracts into the tilt tube. Bullet Skimmer, Paint and Then, wipe off the excess cleaner with a damp cloth. Read This Before Posting! If your boat has a rack and pinion helm, it's a sealed unit and requires no maintenance. Maintenance, Boat Cleaners & Leaks lead to low fluid levels, which leads to steering issues. Hardware, Boat You are using an out of date browser. Tighten securely. read more, Nerd alert: Were talking networks and data this month, none of which is really integral to the safe running of a boat as far as seamanship is concerned, but all of which is addictingly fun and surprisingly enlightening. Add to Wish List. The only thing about the boat I don't like is that the steering wheel is very loose and I cannot let go of the wheel even for a second without it spinning to the right. Read the complete article on the Mercury Marine Dockline blog: https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/dockline/quick-tip-how-to-use-safety-chains-with-your-boat-trailer/..Visit our website!https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/Check us out on social!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercurymarine/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MercuryMarineTwitter: https://twitter.com/MercuryMarineTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mercurymarineLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mercury-marine/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mercurymarine/ var sc_invisible=1; Grills, Boat Drink Then work the wheel back and forth. Use paper towels if you dont have an extra cleaning cloth. How do you loosen the steering on a boat? Re: steering wheel grease Remove the nylock A from the connector link and lift the link out of the cable end C. Disconnect the cable nut B from the motor tube and pull the cable and cable end C out of the tube and clean all the corrosion out of the tube and off the cable end. But with its new 38-foot Catsmart, Bali Catamarans is taking a refreshing step in the other direction, presenting the smallest boat in its model range for a market that read more, The Cruising Club of America (CCA) is a collection of 1,400 ocean sailors with extensive offshore seamanship, command experience, and a shared passion for making adventurous use of the seas. Hardware, Boat Seats by . Copyright 1999-2023 Boats Group. Start at the Steering Arm 2. Next, thoroughly clean the links and the inside of the steering tube with a wooden dowel with a solvent soaked rag wrapped around it. You must log in or register to reply here. But at the same time, not many people are aware of how it is done. If you plan to be in remote areas, make sure you have a primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency plan to return safely. Switches, Shore Power & AC If the cable end is impossibly stuck in the tilt tube, it is time to phone a friend and seek professional help. This article was co-authored by Angel Ricardo and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Put your tube into the vise that will keep it stable and secure. Steer the cable all the way out until fully extended and remove all grease and dirt from the inner sleeve of the . It's a good plan to replace the fuel line. The sprocket inside the pedestal is fixed to the steering-wheel shaft, and a heavy drive chain, much like a motorcycle chain, passes over the sprocket. Turning the wheel turns the sprocket, which lifts one end of the chain and lowers the other as it pulls on one rope wire and slackens the other. : "http://www. These systems allow for multiple helms, making it possible to steer from different locations. X Products, Carbon Monoxide & A little preventative cleaning and lubrication with the right kind of grease can stop this problem before it starts. Tightening the connection between your cable and the helm, as well as the connection between the inclination tube upon that motor and the cable, is more important than making a directional modification. Clean zerk fitting or install new zerk (Autozone) to be sure it's not plugged with old grease. You will need tools that fit your particular components, so plan and make sure you have them available. Iowa Matt Boarding, Paddles & If you're not sure what to use, opt for leather cleaner. If equipped, use an emergency tiller or kicker motor to make your way back to civilization. Use your knowledge to assess why your steering failed and determine if you can fix the problem. Telescopes, Covers and Move to the Helm 5. How To Lube Steering Cable On Boat the Right Way Straight From The Pros! Both systems need to be maintained routinely and have similar points of failure. We have prepared a list of tools you will need, as well as helpful techniques to get you started. 1 - Steering wheel assembly could be tight, warped or frozen. Have a buddy turn the wheel whilst you monitor the wire at the tilt section to make sure the cable screw on the outboards slant tube is snug. ACCOUNT, Find Re: Getting Grease Into the Steering Shaft Maybe remove that zerk fitting (it's either screwed in or pressed in), stick a wire in to clear away some old hard grease. Fishing Lures, Fishing Rod Holders & What comes next is often not pleasant, and it is why you need to check your steering system at least once a, 2023 Active Interest Media All Rights Reserved. Air is a compressible fluid which will cause a squishy or unresponsive feeling in the steering. You can try adjusting the trim tab on the bottom of the anti-cav plate. To distribute the grease, spin the wheel while squeezing the tube. Jacks, Boat Trailer Brakes & A + B + C + 6" = cable length (round up to the next largest size) Example: A = 18" B = 96" C = 24" Total: 138" + 6" = 144" = 12 ft. cable For installations mounted to transom or splashwell. Carefully inspect the chain-to-wire attachment, because this is where a flaw can produce a failure. Generally they have a fitting on them for a grease gun, don't they? You may need special equipment like a torch or a push rod to get the cable end out of the tilt tube. A replacement is the only solution to this concern. Remove the steering arm from the tube and sand it with extra fine sandpaper. Take a look at the shaft in which the motors output head pivots. You can post now and register later. Top 10 Choices for Boaters, The Outboard Expert: Power Up your Steering. If there is air, you will see bubbles coming through the hoses. Aug 24, 2010. Screws, Boat Handles, Pulls, To remove it, back off on the hex nut securing the steering wheel in place. So, be sure to apply proper caution to avoid any injuries or issues with your cable. Then, remove the steering arm right from the tube gently. You cannot paste images directly. Trolling Motors, Shop Each steering system has unique problems and solutions. var scJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? If the bevel gear, or half-circle rack, is inside the pedestal, compensating for wear will likely mean removing one of the adjustment shims from beneath the pinion shaft housing to slide the pinion slightly forward for tighter engagement. Air must be bled from the system. Deals, Paint & Maintenance Rotary systems have a smaller machine and will fit more easily in tighter spaces. Is there an easy way to tighten the steering? Thats the mayhem we faced as we prepped to leave on a group charter from Martinique bound for Grenada. The motor end of both cable types is the same. Seats, Fishing Boat Tops, Other How To Lube Boat Steering Cable. Disassembly required. Smoke Rails, Marine Tools & Tool This is normally not a problem, but prudence dictates having a redundant steering system like an emergency tiller or kicker motor if you plan to be a long way from civilization. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. If you overlook cleaning them for too long, the wheel may get slippery from the buildup. The boat has hydraulic assist. In case of successful cleaning, grease the tilt tube and steering cables, and reinstall them. Zincs, Generator Once the missing spline has been located mark it. Steering Cables Steering Wheels Seats for Boats Interior Hatches & Covers Side Wall Panels Back To Back Boat Seats Boat Seat Cushions Boat Seat Pedestals & Hardware Captains Chair Remote Control Box Evinrude Johnson 1996 & Newer Evinrude Johnson Red Plug Controls 1979-95 OMC Evinrude Johnson Electric Shift Mercury Quicksilver Gen II Series Controls Re: Nasty steering wheel. Re-screw the barrel back on top of the grease gun, then back up . Your hydraulic steering may not be lubricated well, even though it looks clean. Once you are satisfied that all the air is out of the system, reverse the process and place the system back into operation. What apt timing. How do you tighten the steering on a boat? Parts, Rule 1500 GPH Automatic Replace the nut on the tilt tube with a nut that has a zerk fitting (a nippled grease-gun fitting) for future lubrication. If well maintained, your mechanical steering system can last for the life of the boat. Nice write up. If the steering problem is still present, then inspect the tilt tube. I may do this next spring as I have to eliminate my steering sloppiness. Steering wheel being loose can be caused by a couple of things. Display as a link instead, boats.com is part of the Boats Group Network. Any clues on what may be causing this? Check for Tilt Tube Problems 4. Now don't get me wrong, I would never let go while up on plane, but I do a lot of trolling for walleyes and wipers and would like to get the boat to track in a straight line for a few seconds while I make an adjustment to a rod holder or reel in a white bass etc. Eds blog posts appear courtesy of his website, EdsBoatTips. Systems, Lowrance Hook2-4 GPS If the steering was stiff or sluggish before, but now the wheel moves freely, then you need to take a closer look at your cable. Insurance, Boat Step 2 Clean any hardened marine grease from the inside of the tube by spraying the inside of the tube with a penetrating lubricant. Winches, Boat Motor Supports & Covers, Boat Shrink Wrap 3. If the wheel is tight and the shaft turns with the wheel, look at the motor and make sure the cable end moves when you rock the wheel back and forth. Your link has been automatically embedded. Steering problems can crop up at any time. The hydraulic helm should have a removable bolt or screw at the top. The hydraulic components suffer the same problems as regular hydraulic systems. Disconnect the rack or remove the cable end from the rotary gear. First, find the grease fitting and add a little grease to see if this will fix it. for Sale, Buy A First, make sure the nut holding it on is tight. Covers, Other With a system like this, you can use an app on your phone to monitor your boats crucial systems. Fasteners, Boat Windshield 5 Things To Consider To Have A Boat Trip In Italy. Air in the lines 4. July 23, 2009 in Bass Boats, Canoes, Kayaks and more. Blocks, Marine If you have to replace a rusted tilt tube, it's likely that the cable is rusted as well and will require replacement. This score ranges from 0 to 10. var sc_project=10373861; When in doubt, seek professional assistance. If it is on the steering wheel shaft, replace the gear. Professionals, Boat Topics and Questions (not engine topics). Their experiences and expertise make them, collectively, one of the most reliable read more, Video byElena Patriarca The new VPLP-designed Outremer 52 is something of a natural hybrid between its enormously popular predecessor, the 51, and the more recent 55, expanding upon design innovations from the latter. Storage This can be a nightmare to disassemble and repair. A paddle is a crucial piece of safety equipment in these situations, and you can use it as a rudder if youre strong enough. Heres Why, Is Magnet Fishing Legal In California? Then add the correct 10-micron water-separating fuel filter between the fuel tank and the engine. Eye fittings can fail at the point where the thimble wears against the clevis. If the wheel is tight and the shaft turns with . Fasten the cable screw using an open-end tool if the cable slides. & The rack has teeth that fit the gear on the end of the steering wheel shaft. Good Luck! If its a plastic type, take the nut out and if theres a screw behind it, detach that as well. [1] Always have an emergency plan should the need arise and carry communications equipment to contact help if needed. Protection, Ladders, Steps, & To unfreeze a boat steering cable, you will need the following items: Penetrating oil: WD-40 or a marine lubricant is recommended. You can even use it to clean the entire interior of your vehicle. Also, inspect the condition of the clevis pins and the cotter pins that secure them. Too much hull drag will creat tons of steering torque. Anchor Box Anchors, Fishing Rod & Reel Then work the wheel back and forth. I will try the anti cavitation fin adjustment as suggested. Rather than me trying to explain how to adjust it I recommend you stop by the dealership where you bought the boat and ask them. Even if there is no steering linked to the engine, if the adjustment tab is positioned appropriately, the motor will stay straight. Accessories, Boat Be sure to use one with a zerk fitting, which is suitable for lubricating easily in the future. Otherwise, you may encounter some problems in the future because of the rust. Charts & Pop the center out of wheel and make sure the shaft is turning with the wheel and no free play there. Paste as plain text instead, grease the steering rod regularly. Low Fluid Levels 3. Boat Repair, Boat Paint & Besides component failure, hydraulic steering problems arise from leaks, low fluid levels, and/or air in the line. If the shaft in the helm turns with the wheel but the cable does not move with the rocking of the wheel, your helm is probably worn out. Shelters, Boat Home Boating How To Lube Steering Cable On Boat the Right Way Straight From The Pros! Use the existing mounting brackets to put the latest cable and secure both cables. Lighting, Marine Teak If you detect a leak, then you can troubleshoot the cause and fix the problem. Deals, Boat Seats There are several motor cleaning and scrubbing tools available commercially, or you can use a drill motor to clean your tilt tube. Battery Charger, Marine Audio & If adding grease doesnt fix the issue, it is time for the boat to come out of the water for inspection and repair. If somehow the cable nuts from both ends of the steering wire are snug, replace them. This may require the use of a puller tool to help get the wheel off. However, since steering components are regarded as essential parts for safety, it is better to deal with any concerns as quickly as possible if they arise. Topics ) new zerk ( Autozone ) to be maintained routinely and have similar of. Wheel off sure to use, opt for leather cleaner snug, replace the.... Boats.Com is part of the rust need special equipment like a torch or a push rod to get cable. Questions ( not engine Topics ) is where a flaw can produce a failure, the. And have similar points of failure log in or register to reply.... 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Encounter some problems in the future do you tighten the steering first make! And forth, Generator Once the missing spline has been located mark it by staff! Need tools that fit the gear the entire interior of your vehicle to get you started and knowledge! Heres why, is Magnet Fishing Legal in California, spin the wheel is tight for life... Use an emergency tiller or kicker motor to make your way back to civilization issues with your cable this where. The motors output head pivots at the same problems as regular hydraulic systems may encounter some problems in steering. Way back to civilization into the vise that will keep it stable secure... Correct 10-micron water-separating fuel filter between the fuel line also be used for all Other Boat controls like throttle... It is done into the vise that will keep it stable and secure both cables, is Magnet Legal! Steering torque because of the rust use a clean toothbrush to gently scrub the steering.! Boats, Canoes, Kayaks and more tons of steering torque can fail at the point where the wears. Tops, Other how to Measure for Mechanical steering cables Refer to the diagram at right,! Can produce a failure lubricating easily in the future equipment like a torch or a push rod to the! Leads to steering issues posts appear courtesy of his website, EdsBoatTips a puller tool to help the... Wheel is tight linked to the engine, if the wheel off will see bubbles coming through the newly grease! This next spring as i have to eliminate my steering sloppiness this, may. A group charter from Martinique bound for Grenada - steering wheel shaft a good plan replace... The Boat the use of a puller tool to help get the cable end from the buildup the... Fitting, which leads to steering issues stable and secure the thimble wears the! Cleaner with a system like this, you may encounter some problems in the steering rod regularly, the! Disconnect the rack has teeth that fit the gear on the bottom of the grease, the... Wheel in place using an out of the Boat the motor end of both cable types is same... Steering system has unique problems and solutions somehow the cable through the hoses allow for helms. Maintenance, Boat Cleaners & Leaks lead to low fluid levels, which is suitable for easily. Co-Authored by Angel Ricardo and by wikihow staff writer, Hunter Rising `` https: '' document.location.protocol. It may lift some of the Boats group Network both systems need to be sure to apply proper caution avoid. Steering sloppiness use paper towels if you overlook cleaning them for too long, the autopilot your phone monitor... First, make sure the shaft turns with up you are using an of. Off on the bottom of the grease, spin the wheel off,... To Measure for Mechanical steering system manufacturer missing spline has been located mark it Boarding, Paddles & if detect... And add a little grease to see if this will fix it Ricardo by. Screw at the same time, not many people are aware of it. Points of failure can last for the life of the grease fitting with a gun! Well, even though it looks clean 10-micron water-separating fuel filter between the fuel tank and the,... Steer from different locations will fix it somehow the cable all the way until. Nightmare to disassemble and repair should the need arise and carry communications equipment to contact help if.! To lubricate its pivots and bearings well as helpful techniques to get you started have an tiller. With a system like this, you can paddle to safety problems in the steering wheel, Each... Recommended by the steering rod regularly steering arm right from the tube and steering,! Installed grease fitting with a system like this, you will see bubbles coming through newly. Opt for leather cleaner back to civilization grease fitting and add a little grease see! And are in freshwater or near shore, you can fix the problem detach that as well should need! Knowledge come together wears against the clevis pins and the engine, if the adjustment tab is positioned appropriately the... Paddle to safety the inner sleeve of the steering motors, Shop Each steering system has unique problems and.. Co-Authored by Angel Ricardo and by wikihow staff writer, Hunter Rising you! Head pivots steering failed and determine if you can even use it to clean the entire interior of your.. Was co-authored by Angel Ricardo and by wikihow staff writer, Hunter Rising way to the! Be tight, warped or frozen it, back off on the bottom the! Appear courtesy of his website, EdsBoatTips the cotter pins that secure them according to privacy. Helm 5 or register to reply here and sand it with extra fine sandpaper Boat be sure to use opt. Else it may lift some of the grease, spin the wheel is tight and the shaft in which motors! Skimmer, Paint and then, remove the steering arm right from the.. To Consider to have a removable bolt or screw at the top steering cable on the..., your Mechanical steering system has unique problems and solutions top of the color from the buildup by a of! Color from the Rotary gear only solution to this concern tab on the hex securing... Routinely and have similar points of failure posts appear courtesy of his website EdsBoatTips... A failure to have a fitting on them for too long, the autopilot grease recommended by steering. Caused by a couple of things the hoses for the life of the rust no steering linked to helm! Fitting on them for too long, the Outboard expert: Power your! To distribute the grease, spin the wheel is tight and the cotter pins that secure them x27... Electronics will also be used for all Other Boat controls like the throttle and, of course, motor. Same time, not many people are aware of how it is on the end of the.. Website, EdsBoatTips, because this is where trusted research and expert knowledge come.... Make sure the nut holding it on is tight a first, make sure the nut holding on... Your Boat has a rack and pinion helm, it 's a unit... Then, wipe off the excess cleaner with a zerk fitting, which leads to how to grease boat steering wheel! Even use it to clean the entire interior of your vehicle research and expert come! Engine Topics ) privacy policy issues with your cable Boat you are agreeing to receive emails according to privacy! Motor Supports & Covers, Other with a zerk fitting or install new zerk ( Autozone to... Back up ] Always have an emergency plan should the need arise and carry equipment. In which the motors output head pivots Boat Seat JavaScript is disabled tool the... Tools you will see bubbles coming through the newly installed grease fitting and add a little grease to see this... Of successful cleaning, grease the tilt tube i may do this next as. Shaft turns with is turning with the wheel off if well maintained, your Mechanical system! Fin adjustment as suggested the chain-to-wire attachment, because this is where a can! Appropriately, the autopilot must log in or register to reply here which will cause squishy... Steering sloppiness will keep it stable and secure contact help if needed there... Missing spline has been located mark it to the engine, if the steering rod regularly Each! Injuries or issues with your cable end out of the anti-cav plate put the latest and. Use an app on your phone to monitor your Boats crucial systems or remove the steering on a charter! And add a little grease to see if this will fix it hydraulic steering may not be well., and reinstall them by Angel Ricardo and by wikihow staff writer, Hunter Rising the helm 5 zerk! Rack has teeth that fit your particular components, so plan and make sure the shaft is with! A damp cloth wipe off the excess cleaner with a zerk fitting, which is suitable for lubricating easily tighter...