| Hydraulic Steering: Maintaining a Manual Steering System |
From "Shipshape Boating"
episode DSSB-110 |
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The first vessel that Shipshape Boating host, John Greviskis, will work on this week is a 2001, 13-foot Boston Whaler Sport. In this episode, Greviskis is going to show you how to maintain the steering system and how to install a hydraulic steering system from scratch. On this particular boat there is a manual steering system that is driven by a cable, and that cable (called a "steering" cable) is attached to the helm (figure A), which is on the backside of the dash. The cable is routed through the boat back to the outboard engine. The steering rod slides through the tilt tube on the engine, and this is what actually turns the engine right or left. Over time this steering rod needs to be greased so that your steering remains smooth. In salt water, the manual steering needs to be greased twice a year, and if you're a fresh-water boater, the steering rod needs to be greased at least once a year. When you're applying grease (figure B) to the steering rod be sure to use a marine-grade lubricant. Note: If you don't re-grease the steering rod regularly, it can freeze up due to corrosion! Greasing the Steering Rod - Begin by backing off the steering nut. Use an adjustable wrench to back the screw off (figure C).
- Push the boat engine to one side from the back to see the steering rod. The color of the grease will let you know immediately if you need to re-grease. If it's dark and slimy, it's time for a new grease job.
- Use a small brush to apply the marine-grade grease. Thoroughly coat the steering rod
- Put the steering rod back together by tightening the nut.
- Go to the other side of the boat engine and remove the wiper nut (figure D -- where Greviskis's finger is).
- Once the wiper nut is backed off, go up to the helm and turn the steering wheel to expose the wiper-nut side of the steering rod. This particular side was dry, so Greviskis grabbed more grease and lubricated this side of the steering rod.
Note: Many boaters think by applying grease via the zirc fitting (figure E), which is located on the tilt tube, that the entire steering rod has been properly greased. This is "not" true. The zirc fitting application will merely grease the hinges, not the rod. Be sure to back off the wiper nut in order to grease the other side of the steering rod. - After you have greased this side of the steering rod, slide the wiper nut back on and secure.
- Go back up to the helm and turn the steering wheel several times from side to side in order to saturate the steering rod with grease. If you notice that the steering rod is still a little dry, follow the steps, above, and apply more grease.
- The final step in maintaining the steering rod is to apply grease to the zirc fitting (a couple of good pumps of the grease gun) in order to lubricate the hinges of the outboard engine. Raise and lower the trim to make sure nothing is squeaking.
In the next segment, Greviskis will discuss hydraulic steering and how to install one from scratch.
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