1987 Yamaha Steering Bracket

[fishfun83]

I have a 1987 Yamaha and I have noticed that the steering is non-responsive when I rotate the steering wheel for the first 90 degrees or so in either direction. What I have found is that the two studs and nuts that hold the hydraulic steering bracket to the Yamaha Steering bracket Assembly have rusted, the nuts have backed off and the studs and nuts are so rusted, I can not get a wrench on the nuts to tighten them up or to loosen them. Looks like the Steering Bracket Assembly would be a bear for me to replace. The only option I see is to saw off the two rusted studs, remove the engine, drill out the old studs, re-tap the threads, reinstall the engine an install new studs and nuts. Anyone see an easier option?

Yamaha Steering Bracket Assembly (Items No. 36, 37 and 38)
1997 C80TLRV Yamaha Outboard BRACKET 2 Diagram and Parts

[99yam40]

Use a nut splitter to remove nuts and then chase the threads with a die or try a stud remover to get them out