frozen steering rod

[hitordie]

I just bought my first bought and im trying to fix the steering rod. it wont budge. i've done some research and found several ideas to (unfreeze) it. some have said to attack it with a hammer and wd40 others have cut it up and bought a new one. some have even said to put a torch to it then quinch it with oil or wd40. my question is can it be taken apart and cleaned. if not which is a better way to go about it. i've also found something that you build and hook an aircompressor to and plug it to the end of the cable. will this help? if so how do i hook it up. My father-in-law is helping me with it in the morn. just wanted as many ideas to attack it with.any info will help.thanks

[Forkin' Crazy]

Replace it. I have seen them stiff that you can loosen up, but once they are stuck, they are pretty much done.

[RLP]

If ya talking about its stuck in steering tube you can take wood and a hammer and rap it while other person tugs on the steering wheel.
But like said,i would replace it.

[rdkvector]

:iagree: Cut it off and go get a new one, trying to save it will be a total waste of time. I watched my nieghbor wrestle with his for over a month, He didn't want to replace it because that would require removing the motor. Finally he bought new steering and tube, backed it in my driveway, I pulled out my engine crane and 1/2 hr later it was done!

[crankbearing]

Not too mention the SAFETY factor after you unstick it. I just rigged a XR4 on a cajun with stiff dual ride guide, I made him sign a liability waiver and he was back within a couple days to order a new 4.2 NFB dual kit.

rgds,

Dave

[tj309]

I am assuming you are talking about an enclosed single cable system here. If that is true just follow all of the above advice and replace it. They only last so many years depending on the environment and use. Salt water and winter will take their toll. Just be safe and drop the $100+ for a new cable.

[Rider]

buy a new cable - $180, buy a new pivot tube, $190, get an engine hoist, lift the outboard off the boat, cut the old cable, replace everything, that is the only way to repair it.

[M. HARDEE]

TAKE THE ARM FROM THE END OF CABLE PUT A GOOD PAIR OF VICE GRIPS RIGHT WHERE THE CRIMP MARKS ARE BELOW THE HOLE FOR THE STEERING ARM LOSEN BIG NUT AND TURN STEERING WHEEL ENOUGH TO PUSH CABLE OUT FROM NUT END AND SPRAY PENATRANT INTO STERRING TUBE SCREW BUG NUT BACK ON .---- ROTATE shaft with VICE GRIP BACK AND FORTH WHILE YOUR DAD PUT MED PRESSURE ON STERRING WHEEL .----- CABLE SHOULD START MOVING AS YOU ROTATE STEERING ROD BACK AND FORTH --IT -will screw it self right out . CLEAN OF AND SPRAY AS YOU WORK IN AND OUT . if A VERY OLD SYSTEM WOULD REPLACE , BUT CAN STILL FREE UP TO REMOVE THIS WAY . TO MUCH PRESSURE ON WHEEL WITH OUT ROTATING with VICE GRIPS WILL DAMAGE HELM AND CABLE. Have done a few hundred this way works 95% of the time ---- UNLESS SEVERLEY SALT SEEZED------ NO BEATING AND BANGING ---- USUALLY WORKS WITH LITTLE TO MODERATE EFFORT. thanks Mitch if need call and will walk yu through it while yu do it . 803-974-0350