steering problems

[DEREKD]

I have a 1991 ski nautique and am having problems correcting my steering. It is very stiff when I try to turn it. I have replaced the steering cable and tried to make sure everything is lubed but could not get the cover off to check the rutter. Any suggestions on what the problem may be or how to get the cover off?

[Andrew]

RE: steering problems

i'm not sure how the 91 is set up, but on my 86 u can adjust the "tightness" with a nut on the back of the shaft behind the steering box thingy

[wakejunky]

RE: steering problems

I had the same problem with my 03' SS and it turned out that the rudder port had washed out all the grease. I initially thought it was the cable but, the shop confirmed that it was the rudder port by disconnecting the tiller and the tiller was tight and the cable was fine.
My options were to repack the rudder port or upgrade to a $300 greaseable rudder port. At home repack would be nearly impossible since the rudder won't come out of the boat without hitting the trailer.


Chris

[darrel409]

RE: steering problems

DEREKD, Do what wakejunky said. Remove the cable from the tiller arm and check your rudder. If it binds or doesnt move freely it needs some attention. You are going to need to drop the rudder out of the box. Again, like wakejunky said the trailer may be in the way...Back the boat slightly off the tail of the trailer or jack/lift the rear of boat up off the trailer. Either way will be fine. Remove the safety wire and nut off top of rudder, at this point the rudder may fall thru the port, put down some cardboard or heavy blanket to soften the drop. Clean the inside of the rudder port and finish w/ a little emory cloth to smooth it all up. Repeat on the rudder shaft. Do you have a greasing zerk fitting on the port? Many years had them...some didnt, i know my 93 did have one and my current 95 I added it. If not, now would be a good time to drill and tap one. Now is also the time to replace the rudder port's wax packing.
Slip the rudder back up into the box and support it from below. Climb back in and replace the nuts on top and add grease. Replace safety wire and connect the cable. You should be good as new. It sounds like a lot but it is only a few hours work, parts will be less than $25 even adding a zerk.

[DEREKD]

RE: steering problems

darrel409 thanks for the help ill try that but i was having problems with the bolts turning when i tried to take the nuts off and even with a friend holding a screw driver to them from the bottom while i tried to loosen them from inside they still turn, any suggestions.
thanks again

[darrel409]

RE: steering problems

What nuts/cover are you having trouble with? A product called "PB Blaster" is my fav for loosening stuck nuts from their bolts. SS bolts can be a bitch to work with, use "never seize". You dont need to remove the rudder stuffing box, just drop the rudder by:
1. remove safety wire
2. remove tiller arm
3. loosen big brass nuts
I hope i answered your question

[coloradonautique]

DerekD,
As Darrell mentioned, you do not need to remove the four thru hull bolts (flathead on the bottom, nut on the top) for the stuffing box. You just want to drop the rudder and shaft out of the stuffing box by removing the 3 items he mentions in his post especially the big BRASS nuts on the rudder shaft (larger than 1") just below the tiller arm.
For reference, the four thru hulls nuts (1/2 inch?) are stainless so they should look very different (see Darrell's picture) in color and size than the brass ones on the shaft.

Good luck,

-Lorin

[DEREKD]

that helps alot, i'll try that this weekend. thanks alot for all your help darrel409, and coloradonautique.