steering tube lubrication

[greglwake]

I have a Yamaha 70hp outbaord motor, year is 2006. Wondering what is the best way to lubricate the steering rod? I can only remove the steering rod about 3" before is hits the inside wall of the boat. Is there a way to clean and lubricate without removing the entire motor? Also what would be the recommended lubricant?
Thanks,

[TownsendsFJR1300]

I have a Yamaha 70hp outbaord motor, year is 2006. Wondering what is the best way to lubricate the steering rod? I can only remove the steering rod about 3" before is hits the inside wall of the boat. Is there a way to clean and lubricate without removing the entire motor? Also what would be the recommended lubricant?
Thanks,

Invest in this (or similar-actually, mine is SS):

Steersman Steering Cable Grease Guard 7/8" Aluminum

This greasable nut replaces your current one that allows sea water into the cable and later seizing. It also has a seal inside (O-ring) to help seal. Once it's on, grease it up and it'll will work its way up into the cable.

My original cable is now 19 years old.

Re grease, I use marine grade grease, it's NOT critical, just needs to keep water out... You won't EVER have to replace that steering cable, period...

BTW, my 19 year old nut came off my previous boat, (original seal)

[greglwake]

Thanks for this info. Does this nut go on the port side of the motor?
How do you know how much grease to pump in?

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Thanks for this info. Does this nut go on the port side of the motor?
How do you know how much grease to pump in?

Port side, where the END of the actual steering cable sticks out. Simply remove the link to the engine, remove your stock large nut, reverse to assemble..

Once it's filled for the first time, any extra WILL ooz out when you turn your steering wheel.

After an outing, I give it one squeeze with the grease gun along with exposed engine grease fittings(steering/tilt, etc)..


You can just see mine above the port, upper engine/transom mount bolt
(the grease fitting is sticking downward):

[greglwake]

Thanks Scott for this very helpful information. I will order up one of these nuts and replace the existing one.

[ausnoelm]

Be careful with the type of grease you use!

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Your welcome.

IF you can find a SS one, I'd rather have that but I gather the aluminum should be fine.


Just as a side note. I used regular marine grease in all the fittings (and that nut) for years.
I later ended up buying genuine Yamaha marine grease (and not much more expensive than the cheap stuff)
and prefer the yamaha brand. Seems to not "harden up" over time like the cheaper brands.

(Ultimately, easier to grease over time, especially the steering tube/shaft).

[greglwake]

I have the Yamaha marine grease for the other fittings, so I will use the same grease here. Thanks