Fixing a stiff steering bracket (pivot tube) on an outboard motor

[@markcurtoys8858]

Really helpful video. I “hydrauliced” my tender outboard by pumping in “corrosion block grease”. I had the presence of mind to Google the problem and found this. I did not have a compressor to hand, so adapted a hydraulic oil pump, and drilled a hole through the centre of an M8 and M6 bolt to thread into the grease nipple boss, and the friction nut boss. Pumped de greaser through both ports, and after about 5 mins a big thick hard grease snake oozed out of the boss top and bottom. Steering now free as a bird, and filled with light lithium grease.....I won’t make that mistake again (using heavy grease!) Many thanks for the tip.

[@artlife6210]

Your idea is great, I do something similar that has always worked, and that is to use brake kleen then PB blaster, then regrease. The brake kleen really hits the old grease and breaks it down big time, the pb afterwards lubricates the tube because the brake kleen dries it out a little, then the grease travels through the pivot tube real nicely! People that say heat it with a torch, but they usually damage the nylon bushings and seals top and bottom that keep saltwater out and grease in, and it doesnt really work so good anyways. Cheers!

[@SandmannOZ]

Hey Stu, old video I know but maybe this'll help someone. My '99 Merc 40hp 2 stroke only has one zerk fitting about an inch from the bottom of the steering tube (dumb design, should have a top one too) and the steering had mostly seized up. I'd managed to get grease through the bottom of the tube but the top wasn't happening, and all my local repairer could do was drill a couple of holes in the top and suggest I drip oil into them. It improved it to useable but still wasn't great. So today I fixed it... wrapped rags around the bottom where the grease escaped and clamped them in place with a hose clamp, heated the tube with a hot air gun, then hit it with the grease gun again. It took 2-3 readjustments of the clamp to stop it escaping from the bottom but eventually I got old black grease then new green grease out the top in a couple of spots. Steering's now back to about 95% what it should be and I'm very happy, and should improve more as I use it and work the new grease through it. Whole repair cost me $6 for a hose clamp.

[@Florida_man420]

Gonna try this tomorrow. Mine only has one fitting on the bottom side too. So dumb

[@Mike-iz9km]

Great video! I appreciate you taking us through the steps. It boosts our confidence to take on problems. Thanks again!!!!

[@MrMatt30987]

I have been getting ready to do this on my outboard for days, when watching today I picked up on the tensioner you mention at the end. found mine, loosened it and it moves super smooth now. Saved me a big job :)

[@DangarMarine]

I'm glad that was all it took to get yours free again. :)

[@ibtm]

what a great mechanic!!!!!!!!!!!! Great stuff mate!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, glad you like the vid. This is a really common problem with outboards and pretty much the same to do from a 5hp to a 200hp.

[@angelmnm2031]

Not the same outboard, and I didn't pump in degreaser, but watching this vid helped me a lot in understanding what i needed to do to repair my own steering.

[@DangarMarine]

+Angel Negron Hi Mate, glad the video helped you.

[@ferlilibete78]

You are the best mate, see you from Azores❤

[@karlosj83]

I'm going to need to try this on my older Yamaha 25CV. I'm assuming there's nothing too different between yam and merc. No idea how I'll go, so glad you have this video, thanks!

[@richie5458]

thanks so much. Been searching for days trying to find something! This looks the same as my Yamaha 6 Hp. No sure about welding , but at least I can see which way to get it out. Got the parts on order.

[@DangarMarine]

Richard Whiteman Hi Richard, glad the video helped you. It is a very common problem with outboards that's for sure. There are many ways to get the tube apart, good luck with getting yours fixed!

[@michalrimmerak1646]

+Dangar Marine I had a same problem with my 15HP Parsun (Yamaha licence). Worst thing is engine demontage for the 2 screws under, that holding the bracket. Everything else was like walking thrue eden :-)

[@DangarMarine]

This is a common and frustrating job. I did this job again recently on a larger motor using our shop press and it was much easier. Maybe even just take the bracket to your local shop if it won't budge. Good luck!

[@michalrimmerak1646]

+Dangar Marine ...and I had another problem, the pins, centering the oil tank were stucked in the body of engine and foot. Reason, for problems with engine demontage from outboard body.

[@DangarMarine]

+Michal Rimmerak There is one thing you can count on with used outboards, there is always something stuck!

[@yayita2024-n5c]

Hi Stu. Thanks for this nice video. You are the best!

[@newyota1]

Update on my 20hp johnson ..My one trick worked.I wrapped a piece of rubber at lower bushing and used a hose clamp on it and started pumping .It took along time, but I finally saw acivity at the top bushing .Mostly black grease coming out.I probably used 1 small tube of grease to really get it flowing descent.Need more grease.Will use it and keep greasing till it looks good.I did spray WD40 and alittle carb cleaner around bushing last nite.I think the clamp trick is what did it so it would not come out lower bushing.Thanks

[@DangarMarine]

Nice work, and a good technique. Worthy of a video! :)

[@dudyheadgamerdad9314]

Great Vid. Has given me some inspiration to fix my 30hp yami. Thx for posting it.

[@DangarMarine]

That's what I like to hear! Go for it Matt, if it can be made it can be fixed. :)

[@IanJervis]

HI, Great video with heaps of detail. I needto replace the swivel "yoke" as one arm was broken off (long story), can the yoke be roved without the need to actually remove the power head? I have a mercury 15M (2002) and it seems that if I loosened the two bolts at the bottom of the steering tube, and disconnect the gear linkage that the motor should slide(lift) off the steering yoke. Am I missing something?

[@kylewalker7072]

you can also heat gently and have an assistant pump grease in as you do so

[@DangarMarine]

Yep, I've tried this many times with varying success. A third person can also help: one to pump the grease, one to heat and one to keep turning the wheel back and forth. I've also had a friend fill a grease gun with WD40 to clean it out before adding fresh grease. He said it worked wonders.

[@kylewalker7072]

ive also used a lapping compound grease. the great thing about it is the more you use it, the better it gets

[@davidsammut1092]

Thanks for this video, which is very helpful a similar problem I have on a Johnson 70hp 4-stroke. I have one question to ask: when re-attaching the outboard to the swivel bracket, do you use any compound on the bolt threads to ensure they don't loosen with vibration?

[@DangarMarine]

No, just do them up tight.

[@davidsammut1092]

@@DangarMarine thanks for the reply.

[@versatec1]

Perfect ..in just getting to the tube on my yamaha outboard..superb vid as usual..Thanks😊👍

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome mate, glad you liked it. Good luck with the outboard!

[@benlyons5884]

Failed to mention the friction screw, or friction plate lever on some outboards. Make sure you haven't bumped those.

[@johnteal5014]

Mine is opposite to free, 1976 Evinrude 40 tiller any suggestions? Thanks your videos are the shizzle!

[@DangarMarine]

It would pretty much be the same procedure as this video. They are all a very similar design.

[@newyota1]

My johnson 20hp only has a grease nipple at bottom of tube and will not push grease all the way up out at the top bushing like it should and does on my johnson 9.9.Tube is not stiff to turn, but would like to get it greased properly.There is a tensioner screw with spring up top on tube at front to adjust tension/stiffness of steering .Could that be removed and some sort of adapter screwed in and grease pumped in there?Local marina mechanic said they squirt alittle carb cleaner around top bushing to soak down and try and loosen up old grease.

[@DangarMarine]

Yep, that can be removed, it is just a type of brake that pushes against the bushing. Anything to dissolve the grease is a good thing, but some grease is so hard and packed in there that disassembling and removing it by scraping and sanding is the only way.

[@SVPearler]

Hey older Stu, I have a Tohatsu 9.8 2 stroke. Do you think I can you lift off the whole top section after removing leg and bottom bracket? Leave power head in place. My steering moves ok ish. Can't get a hold of a grease gun. Joys of living on an island!

[@pacman4568]

I recently bought a second maybe third or fourth hand boat. The engine is a bit flaky on it. I have been looking for the catch for some time and I think after watching this video I have found it. The steering gets stiff after a while and has to be constantly greased to keep it moving. A daunting prospect taking it all apart as you have done to fix it. Is there any preference for grease such as a special marine grease or will multi purpose grease be ok?

[@DangarMarine]

Unfortunately this is a fairly involved fix. A lithium based marine grease is definitely preferable.

[@andrewhinton882]

G'day great vid. I've got the same motor but it will only run with the choke on or at high revs

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. Sounds like the idle jet in the carburettor is a bit blocked. Try giving it a good clean out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5bChpxveZ2XeKc

[@johnboyd2360]

can i used your video on removing steering bracket to do this

[@DangarMarine]

Probably more this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHubhqWrhJKSl5I I'll be doing a new video on steering diagnosis soon.

[@cloudk2030]

So I kept torching and turning while adding new grease now it’s about 75% better (was completely seized). Turns freely and I am sure I will get another season out of it. From your experience How long does doing that torch method hold up for? It’s just temporary right

[@DangarMarine]

It's really hard to predict, but the more of the old grease you can flush out the better. I've also tried unscrewing the grease nipple and putting a barb in and pushing degreaser through before putting the new grease in.

[@cloudk2030]

Dangar Marine you’re a madman, thanks

[@tsingle11]

Thanks for uploading this. I've got a 2004 Yamaha F150 that I can wiggle when the motor is on or off. I believe the bushings are worn out and/or the pin is worn. I'm scared the engine will eventually fall off when the pin breaks. Should I be scared? Should I go through this exercise and replace the pin? Seems like a lot of work for a 150 compared to this 8 hp.

[@tsingle11]

+tsingle11 Steering is fine.. I'm just having the opposite problem of you. Nothing is stiff, it's loose!

[@DangarMarine]

It's a bit hard to say without seeing it, but with that type of failure the stakes are high so I would be looking into it. To be honest, so long as you have an engine hoist it isn't that much harder for a big motor. At least you won't have to struggle with a press to get it apart. Another thing to consider is that if the bushings are worn it will only start to wear out faster and faster.

[@roy4hand360]

tsingle11 I have a 2006 25hp with the same problem, the motor has a lot of play inside the steering mount bracket, It has to be the bearings. Did you ever replace yours?

[@eyeconspiracy]

I have the same 50hp Honda that you had on the green machine. I can still steer it with the wheel (but its real stiff). When i disconnected the steering controls, it takes a huge shove to move it by hand. Do you have any hints for the pivot tube on that engine? It only has 1 nipple at bottom. Is there anyway to get grease in thru the tensioner screw? Any other trick to fix it (besides taking the whole thing off & apart)?

[@DangarMarine]

You can try pumping some grease in while someone turns the wheel and another person heats the tube with a heat gun to melt the old grease.

[@ron8979]

What do you do when the tilt tube nut is stuck on the tilt tube threading where it spins the actual tilt tube around and wont come free?

[@bensonnguyen1833]

How many hours take to replace stiff steering bracket pivot tube sir ?

[@dino5002]

thanks so much for sharing.... this is great information that really helps

[@owenj.1669]

If you’re standing on the outside of your boat when it’s parked on the trailer, is it normal for an outboard cable steering motor to move slightly (about an inch) side to side by using just your hands?

[@MtOliveLutheranChurchMoundMN]

I have a 1957 Johnson Javelin 35 hp outboard. I can raise and lower it, but I can't seem to latch it into position. Can you help or point me to a video or other help for the trim/tilt swivel bracket?

[@eu-juanmeintjes2483]

So I am guessing it is the pivot tube, but my motor(100HP mariner) has about 2-3 cm of "play". This is not even when turning but even forward backward and pushing side to side the motor is "loose" from the Transom mount...I am guessing it just needs some tightening up but it looks like I would have to remove basically the whole engine block...any advice or a video showing how that could be achieved?

[@DangarMarine]

Odd to have so much play there. The nylon bushings inside may have failed but that would only give you 5mm of play tops I would say.

[@yasmanineira7733]

Hey man have been watching all your videos i got to say they have been lot of help seen i just bought a boat and don't know a thing about it :). I have a yamaha 1994 200txrs that have a stiff steering bracket but it still moveble with the hydraulic but with alot of effort. So i want to replace that and by watching your video now i have some ideas how to do it. My problem is on what parts to buy other than the main arm and bolts. Can you help me with that ? And some advice plz ;) thanks

[@DangarMarine]

Yasmani Neira Hi Yasmani, thanks for watching. I don't know if you saw the video where I tried and failed to fix this on my 50HP Yamaha, but in the end I went to a wreckers and bought a replacement mid section. I mainly did this because I also needed a new exhaust manifold as well. Use this is the page to find the parts on: www.boats.net/parts/search/Yamaha/Outboard/1994/200TXRS/BRACKET%201/parts.html and www.boats.net/parts/search/Yamaha/Outboard/1994/200TXRS/BRACKET%202/parts.html You will need the Steering bracket assembly and brushes as well as the pivot tube, but I would try a wreckers first as they parts are expensive to buy new.

[@vrva3138]

I recently bought a DF2.5 (2020 model) 20" Shaft motor and It works perfectly fine except, when I try to steer at quarter to half throttle, the steering becomes stiff. So every time I have to turn, I have to bring the motor to a complete idle and then steer. The steering tension adjusting knob is set to loose. any advice on this is much appreciated. I have seen the same problem reported by another person in suzuki outboard forums and no one so far has been replied.

[@gamingdelux0078]

Hey Danger! I got a really stuck transom clamp on my johnsen gt 10... been sitting for 5 years with the last owner... any idea to get it lose?

[@dennisritchie965]

Any fixes? Workin on mine now

[@craigsmith2319]

Hi mate. I've just rebuilt my 1985 yamaha 9.9 from scratch and it's starting fine but then it's got this annoying pr like your holding the throttle open and switching the ignition off and on. Could this be the cdi unit or something electrical. I'm stumped. Plz help.

[@rocknral]

My '84 20hp Yamaha was doing same. Pulled the carby, took out and cleaned dirty jets and sprayed whole thing out anywhere I could stick the spray nozzle with carby cleaner. Also replaced spark plugs and now it's singing. Not sure which was problem but all good now.

[@allizdog100]

A lot of work for a $500 motor but it’s principle is good instruction

[@akiskoutsampeloulis5473]

I have a new rib with a new outboard df 300 Suzuki. For the steering I used the seastar system. The problem is that when I run more than 10 knots the steering is very stiff and it's almost to turn the wheel to the left. Bare in mind that my outboard is left. Any clue????

[@DangarMarine]

If it gets harder at speed I would check the trim tab anode on the outboard leg. You may need to loosen it and angle it a bit to port to get the dynamic force on the outboard from the paddle wheel effect of the prop to be more neutral. Been meaning to do a video on this for ages but if you do a bit of googling on that trim tab anode you should find some good info.

[@akiskoutsampeloulis5473]

Thank's for your immediate answer. I 've done this but no improvement. Any other idea??

[@DangarMarine]

It can also be that the hull is causing the problem, not the outboard itself. I presume at that horse power it is hydraulic steering?

[@akiskoutsampeloulis5473]

It is a seastar hydraulic steering system. Thank you

[@DangarMarine]

So it is unusual for hydraulic steering to be like that. If it is brand new I would be inclined to get the steering checked. It is possible for an inflatable hull to affect the steering of a boat it isn't completely symmetrical but it still sounds strange.

[@johnboyd2360]

just got my first boat and it is used . I put it on the water before the purchase on found out that the boat turns to the right like a charm but to the left very difficult could this be the steering cable .This is what the person who sold the boat told me to do

[@DangarMarine]

Possibly. Is it difficult like that then the boat is still or only when moving at speed?

[@yiannosfamagusta3365]

Ηi mate.. Im try to change bush on mercury 50 hp 2 stroke and u help me with that video to lift up the engine.. Thank u so much.. Now need to saperate the rest of the engine body with the base.. Its a little be difficult.. Any video or any idea.. Thank u so much again.. U r very helpful

[@PRACERZ]

Dam, great idea !

[@johnboyd2360]

and it does this going fast or slow turns good to the right and not the left

[@DangarMarine]

How about when the motor is off? Large motors suffer from torque steer where the rotation of the prop pushes the outboard in one direction. This is very noticeable on a 90HP Mercury I drive. If you let go of the wheel it turns to the right straight away. Video on this coming out soon.

[@lodabulley2510]

Mine has a bad sqeak did push most old grease out and put new stuff in but still sqeaks bad

[@cloudk2030]

I have a feeling I might have to do this. I took off the steering cable nut like you said in your other video, and the cable itself feels buttery smooth, however the motor is completely frozen. I tried to turn it with my hands and even with the weight of the motor up on tilt I can’t even get it to budge. Only thing I can think of is needs this job right?

[@DangarMarine]

Unfortunately it does sound like it.

[@johnboyd2360]

so change the steering cable sorry to ask so many questions this is my first boat.

[@DangarMarine]

What you are looking to do first is isolate the cable so you can determine which part of the system is causing you problem. It can be the outboard itself ("stiff steering bracket"), the cable or the helm. It's a slightly odd symptom you are getting which makes me think either a problem with the helm or the cable catching in the tilt tube. This might explain the different in pressure between the cable pulling through or pushing through. Once you know for sure where the resistance is coming from you can decide what to do about it.

[@deant6627]

lol, got me a winner yesterday, started pumping Marine grease into the steering tube and then almost immediately had a jet stream of old greasy salt water shoot directly into both my eyes from the top seal. Don't know what was worst getting it in my eyes or the smell of that old water spraying all over my face.

[@DangarMarine]

Bummer... Lucky you were wearing your safety glasses! ;) I once opened a gearbox that was warm and had pressure in it sending a stream of old gearbox oil straight into my mouth. That stuff tastes TERRIBLE!

[@deant6627]

lol, I think I would prefer the oily salt water in eyes, we will only make these mistakes once, I hope...

[@philgray1023]

Thanks for the video. I think this is outside of my pay grade. So anyone looking for a 2010 Honda 9.8 with a stiff pivot tube? Let me know by liking and replying to this comment.

[@DangarMarine]

How much do you want for it? Where is it?

[@blueysfishin]

On my 15hp Yamaha iv cracked my pivot tube and it looks like a big job if I do it myself anything's I need to know I'll have to replace base head gasket I know that much any tips would be great

[@cloudk2030]

This is what we call a nightmare job to do

[@DangarMarine]

It is, and unfortunately it often costs a lot more to do that the outboard is worth.

[@ibtm]

I have a 42 center cockpit with 3 350 YamHa--- my port engine is binding up shifting---they are dropping the bottom end tomorrow to troubleshoot

[@DangarMarine]

Hope they get to the bottom of it for you.

[@googleplusisdead]

GROAN... :) RichE

[@johnboyd2360]

ok

[@callumwearne7870]

You look like your stranded in the Amazon somewhere,

[@DangarMarine]

+Callum Wearne Not stranded now the boat's working again. ;)

[@callumwearne7870]

Dangar Marine did you used to get the ferry from dangar Island? I think i know this place

[@DangarMarine]

There is a ferry that still runs during the day.

[@callumwearne7870]

Dangar Marine ah yes i know this place thought it looked familiar

[@tonymasson1918]

+Dangar Marine you tell in a language that the average person can understand thanks I will be looking for the rest of youre vids you are teaching me and giving me the confedance to have a go Tony

[@foresight87]

Wear eye protection for this kind of thing Stu.

[@allizdog100]

Dick Head

[@foresight87]

@@allizdog100 Eh? Where did that come from? It was just a friendly suggestion.

[@johnboyd2360]

trim tab is gone but low speed

[@DangarMarine]

I would start by disconnecting the end of the steering rod from the outboard itself and then seeing what it feels like. by taking out that one bolt from the drag link you will be able to move the outboard independently of the steering cable. See how both halves feel and let me know.

[@thecentralscrutinizer]

Is there an easier way?🤣

[@philbarrows424]

You can’t remove corrosion with degreaser…

[@DangarMarine]

What stops these from turning is mostly old grease that has dried up.