steering cables

[jigmister]

87 ranger 373 V 175 hp merc


I got this boat a few year back and one repair I preformed right away was changing out the old frozen steering cables. The install went well and the cables made the boat steering extremely smooth.

now a few years later they are getting real stiff again.

Is there a tool or somthing that I can use to lubricate the cables?
Is this typical of cables? I am starting to think so because I helped a friend change steering cables in his boat shortly after I did my own and he is complaining as well.

My boat gets used severl times a month at the least so its not from lack of use.

Thanks in advance for some insight here.

Jim

[Floyd]

Not sure if this is your issue or not but my father has an 84 373 w/ a 150 merc. He bought the bought probably 12 years ago and had the cables changed.. slowly over time it got a lot worse. He kept trying to grease it and eventually locked up where he couldnt even turn it.. Took it to a marine shop and they honed the inside there the steering rods go in and out of and it turns like a brand new boat again. Didn't have to replace the cables they had to pull the motor off the transom but man what a difference.

[delee36]

there are grease zerts on the cable tubes.
turn the motor all the way one way...or remove the cables...clean it with steel wool...replace and grease and see if that loosens things up for you.