steering cables on 1996 225 efi mariner

[HDETERS]

I want to remove the steering cables and lube them with the pressure setup I have seen here on this forum. What is the proper way to remove the cables from the engine so I dont hurt them? Are there any tricks that would be helpful? I was going to use wd40 to clean and lube. Would that work? Thanks for the help, it does not look too hard but I figured I would ask before I break something.

[EuropeanAM]

Removal of the cable(s) at the engine is fairly simple- remove the cable-end attaching hardware, then loosen the nut at the steering tube (holds the cable to the tube).

Then pull the cable straight out. This is easiest to do with the steering turned "full left". Note: Due to sharp bends and/or engine mounting, it MAY be necessary to remove the engine from the boat to extract the cables.

As for lubricating.... I've not had very good luck with attempts to "salvage" a stiff system. About 90+% of the time, you'll find it's time to REPLACE the cables.

[HDETERS]

Thanks for the help. I will have to let you know how it turns out.

[HDETERS]

Well that was easy! I didnt have to lube the cables with the pressure setup. After I removed the cables from the engine, I cleaned all of the old grease off the cables and out of the tubes, put some lube on them and replaced them. They are much smoother than before. One question, I am not sure I put the cables back the same way they were at first ( I have two cables running from the helm to the engine). Everything hooked back up just perfect and the engine turns when I turn the wheel. Could I have switched the cables and does it matter? Thanks

[EuropeanAM]

If you had switched the cables, they would likely be "twisted" around each other (fairly obvious). Both cables operate in the same direction and plane... so it really doesn't matter which is "which" (as long as they aren't twisted or in a bind).

[HDETERS]

THANKS