How To Lubricate Your Boat Steering - Rack and Pinion DIY

Boat steering disassembly, cleaning and lubrication for a smoother, more enjoyable experience on the water.

[@michaelfinley4636]

Very good info on removing and luricating the steering. The lubrication done on the zerk port at the stern of the boat, however, doesn't do anything for the steering. The port lubricated in the video is for the tilt tab of the engine. That pivot point allows the engine to tilt up and down. Other forums and videos point out that the grease put in there does NOT reach the steering bar. It should be lubricated, but does not affect the steering, rather the tilt. The steering bar can be removed and should be seperately lubricated (and the tube the bar goes through should be cleaned and lubricated as well) if there are steering issues. Another area that should be lubricated at least once a year is the actual steering pivot which holds the engine on and allows it to turn side to side. There are zerk lubrication points for this area as well and the very good information supplied here about lubrication applies to those ports just the same.

[@murkyshadowsoutdoors309]

Thank you Michael. I agree and I was not clear on the grease application at the engine. You’re correct and I appreciate you pointing that out.

[@extrareps4701]

This is a perfect video. I have a new, old boat and just got to the old steering wheel. I followed this video and it is much nicer! Thanks for the content

[@murkyshadowsoutdoors309]

I’m glad this helped. Thanks for the feedback!

[@gregschmid4375]

Good content. Might add description on the type of grease

[@murkyshadowsoutdoors309]

Thanks for the comment and great observation. Any marine grade grease of your choice would work fine for this application.

[@tonylee3116]

Nice job, David!

[@angello13601]

Great video! Thx

[@rogerfl2007]

Great information. thanks

[@michaeloberg834]

Hi. Just a quick question. I could be wrong but isn't the grease nipple you pointed out for the trim tilt? I followed the instructions but I didn't seem to get any fresh grease on the pilot rod. I took the pilot rod out and it was covered in old dried grease even though I had fresh grease coming out of the places you pointed out. The cleanout at the steering wheel side made a world of difference though. Thanks for that.

[@murkyshadowsoutdoors309]

Yes, the grease fitting is for the tilt. The rod should have its own fitting but if not, you can just actuate it back and forth with lubricant on a rag. I hope this helps.

[@TheUnknownBrainer]

Hi i have the same old rack and pinion on my boat but i just cant get the steering off what should i use

[@murkyshadowsoutdoors309]

If you’re having trouble removing the steering wheel, you could try a gear puller. I would need to see your steering wheel to make a good better suggestion.

[@zebra3738]

Thanks for this video! I am no mechanic and was wondering how to remove the compression washer. I found it and not sure how to remove or put back on. Any advice on this? Thanks!

[@murkyshadowsoutdoors309]

Try lubricant like oil and you should be able to use a flathead screwdriver to pry off. Just be careful, take your time and do not force it. Once off you can slightly depress the little tabs so it will go back on tight.

[@murkyshadowsoutdoors309]

Also, you’re welcome and I appreciate you watching. Thanks for the feedback.

[@zebra3738]

@@murkyshadowsoutdoors309 Thank you so much for this information. I will give it a try.

[@zebra3738]

@@murkyshadowsoutdoors309 What grease do you recommend for the steering shaft gear?

[@murkyshadowsoutdoors309]

I’m not a brand specific person. I use whatever marine grade grease that I can find locally. The marine grade is better suited for wet conditions and won’t breakdown quite as fast as others.

[@theoracle3747]

Saw your dog in the background on its back, obviously trying to scratch an itch, since it can't just reach back there to scratch it. That tells me it probably needs a bath. They can't talk to us to tell us what they need, so we have to keep an eye on them and try to figure it out ourselves. Hope by now you've bathed the dog. If not, just do the right thing.