How do you lubricate the Rudder system?

[LargeMetalFan]

I checked the rudder a few days ago as I was preparing for the spring launch when I noticed that the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. Has anyone had this problem before? and if so, how did you fix the problem. I'm guessing that I need lubricate something somewhere, but I'm just not sure.

[skinautique]

It could be one of two things. It is either a rudder that needs to be lubricated or a steering cable that needs to be replaced. You need to disconnect the cable from the tiller arm on the rudder and try to turn the wheel. If it turns freely, the rudder needs to be greased. If it is still stiff, the cable needs to be replaced.

[LargeMetalFan]

Skinautique,

I'm assuming that the rudder needs to be lubricated. Do you know what kind of grease I should use and where it's gets applied?

[skinautique]

what year boat? I just use the same grease that I grease wheel bearings with. You might want to do my quick little check before you bother dropping the rudder out though.

[thevogt]

After my '93 Sport sat unused for 4 years, my steering felt the same way. It only takes one or two wet winters of storage to kill the steering cable. Mine was bad. I didn't use an OEM cable due to cost. I needed a xx'6" cable that is only available as a custom OEM (pricey) length. I went with a Teleflex xx' cable and it worked like a champ after I figured out where to route the extra 6". To answer your grease point question, look under the floor after you remove the motor box cover, rear seat and center floor section with the packing inspection plate. Find the steering cable and follow it to the rudder. You'll need a flashlight and some flexibility, but you'll find the fitting at the pivot shaft for the rudder. If you do need to replace the cable, shop online using a Google search for "teleflex steering cable" and measure your old cable correctly before ordering. I used an old lenght of nasty ski rope to fish the old cable out and had a clear path to pull the new one back into place. Tie on to the back eye and pull towards the front of the boat. Reverse the process to reinstall. Hope this helps. Gary

[thevogt]

Follow up with cable info (just in case you need one). This is where I bought mine. Good service/product.

http://www.outdoorsuperstore.com/sto...K+SINGLE+CABLE

Hope that works as a link.

Gary

[LargeMetalFan]

thevogt,

What does this fitting look like? An, how do I apply the grease? I'm wondering If I can just smear a little on my finger and apply it to the fitting, or if I need a special device to do so. Once I remove the center floor cover, is it pretty intuitive?

[thevogt]

On my '93, I removed the motor box and rear seat. With the rear seat out, you should be able to lift the center floor section out. Shine a flashlight or shoplight on the rudder shaft. You should see a standard zerk fitting on the rudder shaft housing. Pump some MARINE grade grease into the fitting with a standard grease gun. I use the compact size gun with the disposable cartridges that I bought at Boater's World here in Brandon, Fl.. You can use regular automotive grease to get you by for now, but the Marine will withstand more exposure to water and stay put longer.

Gary

[slob02]

My bet is the cable! Un-hook the rudder and see how it turns by hand.

[Pgaski]

I had this same problem and found that the steering cable had some water seep in and cause the cable to rust. The cable can be lubricated with out removing it. Disconnect the cable at the rudder and steering helm, connect a drill with a j-hook through the hole at the rudder end and place a towel on the floor at the helm to catch all the rusty water. Rotate the drill slowly and the cable will pump out all the old rusted water. ( I can't remember which direction to turn it but it will be ovious.) Then using a section of heater hose with a zerk fitting in one end place the other end of the hose over the end of the cable at the helm. Fill it with Moly EP Grease using a grease gun. Reverse the drill and give the hose a few shots of grease and the cable housing will fill up. This may sound diffcult but it is very easy and you will never have to replace the steering cable as long as you own your boat.