tight steering

[Johnny B]

this weekend I was out and my steering was real tight when i turn hard right.  normally it is smooth.  haven't had time to investigate really but I don't think anything is wrapped around the rudder or anything.  I've been meaning to grease the rudder but my grease gun broke. don't think that is the problem though.  anyone had any steering issues?  any ideas?  maybe cable problems...  I will bring it home and look into it, just looking for ideas or things to check.  thanks

Johnny B

[Ktown]

Try this thread, I remember some other folks having similar issues.

http://www.epicmarine.com/forum4/index.php?topic=1224.0

[Johnny B]

cool, thanks!  i know i need to lube it, i tried last time it was at the house by my grease gun wasn't working.  I'll  bring it back and get it done.  i need to change the oil anyway so I'll just tear it down and lube everything. thanks again for the help!

[cpsharplin]

I had the most wonderful time getting my rudder shaft properly greased.  The zerk fitting was completely rusted away and facing the wrong way as well.  It was facing the engine and was difficult to access.  I tried using back outs from the local auto store to no avail.  I finally realized I would have to take everything out.  I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't as difficult as I thought.  Once I had everything off I was able to hammer away with a back out and I got the old rusted zerk fitting out.  After that I got everything back on and sealed up properly.  There was absolutely NO grease at all in the shaft!  Took it out for a spin just yesterday and while under way my turning has become so much easier.  Thanks again for this site, without it I would have not had the confidence to undertake such a task.

[lesman01]

Can someone take a picture of the zerk fitting. I don't think mine has one on the rudder???

[cpsharplin]

Just look at the maintenance guide on pulling the rudder assembly and reinstalling it.  Everything is well documented and pointed out.  You may very well have the same problem I had where it has just rusted off completely so it seems like it isn't there.

[Johnny B]

thanks for the tip.  i know my fitting is there and it is hard to get to facing the motor but I think it is ok.  my problem was my grease gun wasn't working last time i had it home..  maybe I'll get some time this weekend or next week to mess with it again.

[lesman01]

OK, i looked tonight and I do not have a grease fitting. In fact there is a hole that looks intact where the fitting might screw in, but it is on the forward side of the assembly, meaning, the rudder assembly was installed backwards.

Where can i get the e-grease fitting. Is it an off the shelf item i could get somewhere? What size is it?

[cyclone]

Any auto parts store will have them. You can get a right angle one or whatever, they have lots of types. Just ask for zerk fittings.

[Johnny B]

i cleaned the shaft and re-greased it.  My zerk fitting is there but i think it is stopped up.  It now steers nice due to the cleaning of the shaft but i am going to replace the fitting and fill it up with new grease. 

[ScarabEpic22]

I tried greasing mine last winter, but Im pretty sure Im having the same problem with it being rusted.  Any tips as to how to get it out?  Maybe try some brake cleaner?

[cpsharplin]

ScarabEpic22, just go to the maintenance guide for the rudder assembly removal.  Then go to the hardware store, autostore, whatever and get some back outs.  They are essentially backwards screws.  The best ones are square with a sharp edge on them , that is what I used to get my zerk fitting out.  Then take the rudder assembly up to the auto store (preferably napa) then have them put a stainless steel one in there.  Problem solved buttery smooth steering and even my girlfriend can drive my boat with ease.

[ScarabEpic22]

Thanks man, Ill try and do that before I drop my baby in for the summer.

[TXHNTR]

i cleaned mine and regreased last year but i think the o ring must in the shaft housing must be bad, seems like there is no more grease in it.  Anybody have an idea of the part number for that o ring? capt rick? anybody?  its for a 2000 X22.