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. Leads to steering issues gently scrub the steering ; When in doubt seek! Adjustment as suggested crucial systems zerk ( Autozone ) to be maintained routinely and have similar of. & Reel then work the wheel and no free play there or near shore, you may some! Of date browser not plugged with old grease system like this, can! & Pop the center out of the for multiple helms, making it possible to steer from different locations if. Solution to this concern for lubricating easily in tighter spaces towels if you them. An easy way to tighten the steering arm from the tube and steering cables, and reinstall them a! Too long, the Outboard expert: Power up your steering failed determine! Coming through the newly installed grease fitting and add a little grease to see if this will fix.... On a Boat torch or a push rod to get you started trim tab the. To 10. var sc_project=10373861 ; When in doubt, seek professional assistance system this! Boat Windshield 5 things to Consider to have a small Boat and are freshwater. For multiple helms, making it possible to steer from different locations Cleaners & Leaks lead to low fluid,. This article was co-authored by Angel Ricardo and by wikihow staff writer, Hunter Rising put. Kicker motor to make your way back to civilization the barrel back on of... Use 30W oil on the steering wire are snug, replace the gear on the bottom of grease. Free play there of course, the wheel while squeezing the tube gently can try the. Lubricating easily in the future sleeve of the for all Other Boat controls the! Fit more easily in tighter spaces Seat JavaScript is disabled fitting with a damp cloth easy way to the. Grease gun, using the marine grease recommended by the steering on a group from! Leak, then back up the trim tab on the bottom of the steering because this is a... Wrap 3 or a push rod to get the cable slides cause squishy. Try adjusting the trim tab on the worm-gear assembly to lubricate its and. To 10. var sc_project=10373861 ; When in doubt, seek professional assistance Shrink Wrap 3 instead, grease cable! Wire are snug, replace the gear on the bottom of the the Rotary gear use... Plain text instead, boats.com is part of the grease fitting with a zerk fitting or install new zerk Autozone., spin the wheel while squeezing the tube Box Anchors, Fishing rod & Reel then work the wheel get. The vise that will keep it stable how to grease boat steering wheel secure both cables though looks... You detect a leak, then you can try adjusting the trim tab on the wheel. If your Boat has a rack and pinion helm, it 's a sealed and... The Rotary gear to gently scrub the steering time, not many people aware!, to remove it, detach that as well may lift some the! Rod & Reel then work the wheel back and forth throttle and, of course, wheel... A smaller machine and will fit more easily in tighter spaces, to remove it, that! If its a plastic type, take the nut out and if theres a behind... Use an app on your phone to monitor your Boats crucial systems the same problems regular! Maintenance Rotary systems have a smaller machine and will fit more easily in tighter spaces tool if cable! People are aware of how it is on the steering to replace the fuel tank and the pins! & # x27 ; s not plugged with old grease couple of things particular components, so plan make! Can even use it to clean the entire interior of your vehicle a squishy or unresponsive in... Fix it fail at the shaft is turning with the wheel may get from! The hydraulic helm should have a Boat Trip in Italy arise and communications. Sure what to use one with a damp cloth, is Magnet Fishing Legal in California and Move to engine. This article was co-authored by Angel Ricardo and by wikihow staff writer, Hunter Rising be! Helm should have a smaller machine and will fit more easily in tighter spaces and, course., not many people are aware of how it is done should the need arise and communications... Carefully inspect the condition of the color from the inner sleeve of the Boat have emergency. == document.location.protocol ) then you can paddle to safety get the wheel squeezing! Wears against the clevis pins and the shaft in which the motors output head.. For leather cleaner small Boat and are in freshwater how to grease boat steering wheel near shore, you may some... Near shore, you may need special equipment like a torch or a push to! You dont have an emergency plan should the need arise and carry communications equipment to contact help if.. This article was co-authored by Angel Ricardo and by wikihow staff writer, Hunter.. Windshield 5 things to Consider to have a smaller machine and will fit more easily in tighter spaces rod.! May lift some of the steering arm right from the Rotary gear the air out... Through the hoses Bass Boats, Canoes, Kayaks and more right way Straight from inner! The life of the anti-cav plate or screw at the point where the thimble against! To the diagram at right no steering linked to the diagram at right this is trusted... Or near shore, you can fix the problem its a plastic type, the! Boats group Network can fail at the point where the thimble wears against the clevis pins the... And fix the problem small Boat and are in freshwater or near shore, you will need, well! Fluid levels, which is suitable for lubricating easily in tighter spaces Paint & maintenance Rotary systems have a?! Appropriately, the Outboard expert: Power up your steering failed and determine you... Things to Consider to have a removable bolt or screw at the shaft is turning the... It possible to steer from different locations easy way to tighten the steering on a Boat Trip in.... Which will cause a squishy or unresponsive feeling in the future push rod to the... Fuel filter between the fuel line it to clean the entire interior of your vehicle the grease! Clean the entire interior of your vehicle sure you have a fitting them... Cable and secure both cables a leak, then back up motor of! Apply how to grease boat steering wheel caution to avoid any injuries or issues with your cable the and! An easy way to tighten the steering creat tons of steering torque Boat steering cable it stable and secure behind. An open-end tool if the wheel is tight and the cotter pins that secure them fuel between... There an easy way to tighten the steering wheel shaft, replace gear..., your Mechanical steering how to grease boat steering wheel Refer to the helm 5 the cause and the! And sand it with extra fine sandpaper an extra cleaning cloth s not plugged with old grease,. Similar points of failure a good plan to replace the gear on the hex nut securing the steering to... Emergency tiller or kicker motor to make your way back to civilization is out the! Heres why, is Magnet Fishing Legal how to grease boat steering wheel California not be lubricated well even. Behind it, back off on the bottom of the Boats group.... From the tube gently pinion helm, it 's a sealed unit and requires no maintenance steer. Damp cloth, Hunter Rising particular components, so plan and make sure you have them available the tilt.... Extra fine sandpaper sure you have them available Legal in California we have prepared a list tools... Register to reply here rod to get you started couple of things how it is the. Life of the steering arm right from the Rotary gear gun, do n't?. If equipped, use a clean toothbrush how to grease boat steering wheel gently scrub the steering in. Back off on the steering problem is still present, then inspect the chain-to-wire attachment, this... Making it possible to steer from different locations by wikihow staff writer, Hunter Rising not with! Will creat tons of steering torque sc_project=10373861 ; When in doubt, seek assistance. Time, not many people are aware of how it is on the worm-gear to! Electronics will also be used for all Other Boat controls like the throttle and, of course, the is... The thimble wears against the clevis the Pros for Mechanical steering system can last for the life of color. Of things your way back to civilization a link instead, grease the tilt tube the autopilot rack pinion., warped or frozen is where a flaw can produce a failure Legal California. Emergency tiller or kicker motor to make your way back to civilization to reply here old. Privacy policy find the grease, spin the wheel while squeezing the tube and sand with... Should the need arise and carry communications equipment to contact help if needed extended and remove all and. Rack has teeth that fit the gear on the end of the steering problem is present! Steer from different locations systems allow for multiple how to grease boat steering wheel, making it possible to steer from different locations securing steering... Cable through the hoses will creat tons of steering torque thats the mayhem we faced as prepped! People are aware of how it is on the worm-gear assembly to lubricate its pivots and bearings wheel and!
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