How To Unfreeze A Boat Steering Cable

To remove a steering cable that is seized in the tilt tube of an outboard first using a hack saw or grinder cut the cable off about 8 inches from the tilt tube on the starboard side.

How to unfreeze a boat steering cable. Irwin tools vise grip original locking pliers kit https amzn to 2w8iw4l steering rod on boat will not go in and out because it is seize. You ll have to use different tools though. Try this put a pair of vise grips on the steering rod as shown in this pic. After removing the cable use a wire brush to clean the inside of the tilt tube.

Unbolt the steering tilt tube the steering link arm from the outboard motor using a 9 16 inch socket wrench. Now move the vise grips up and down while a friend hold pressure on the steering wheel turning to the right. How to do this with the steering still attached. Spray the rod with wd40 while working the vise grips and holding pressure on the steering wheel.

Step 2 clean any hardened marine grease from the inside of the tube by spraying the inside of the tube with a penetrating lubricant. You ll need a wrench of the right size to start. Here s what i used. This part 2 of 2 diy video describes how to disassemble and diagnose the failure of your outboard or inboard teleflex steering cable.

The rod might start moving. You wont be able to use a 1 2 socket cheater bar. If the tilt tube is badly corroded it may be impossible to remove the cable without destroying it. If the stainless steel cable is not damaged clean the ends and apply marine grease and reassemble the compartment.

Diagnosis is important since if it was a kink or wear problem.