seized steering wheel

[clroutfitter]

I have a 2000 170CC and my steering has seized, I unbolted my motor from my steering and it moves freely. I was wondering if anyone could tell me a good next step in the trouble shooting process before I start throwing parts, time and money at my boat.

Thanks for your time,
Cody

[MolarBoater]

Check out the same topic in the 190 area, might be a similar situation.

[Jim Jenkins]

CLROUTFITTER,

Not a very timely reply to this post. Bad weather day in WNC so I was looking through old postings. Sure your steering problem has been solved by now.

I had the same problem with 2002 170 CC. Messed with it for most of a month trying to resolve my self. Got some movement but lost range on wheel. My solution was a replacement of the steering unit from wheel to motor. Smooth as silk and now I turn the motor lock to lock every two or so weeks. My cost from an independent marine repair shop was about $300, out the door. Receipt filed at home.

Never did understand what failed (siezed) inside the cable but in storage, the boat would sit over the winter inside, unheated for 3-4 months and motor not be moved. This replacement was needed after 4 seasons of use.

Let me know how your correction turned out.

Thanks.

[special K]

Cody,

The same thing happened to my 170cc. Spray the steering tube Wd40 or some other lubricant. Get a 2x4 or another piece of wood and hold it at the end of the tube so as not to damage it. gently at first, start hitting with a hammer until you get movement in the engine. Keep repeating the same process until it is completely free. Do not try to turn it from the steering wheel! This is only a temporary fix, it will get you in the water-either have a professional fix it or if you are handy(I'm not) you could tackle it yourself. hope this helps.
Brian
I have a thread under general boat threads labled "steering" if you want to check that. I could not figure out how to link it here.

[Fischer53]

My 170CC also froze. It was not the cable, but rather where the pushrod was attached at the engine. The grease inside that assembly solidified. I worked on it for the better part of a day before I gave up and took it to my dealer. Cost $60, but given my lack of success seems well worth it.

[MolarBoater]

By an end-nut with a grease fitting and keep the tube full of marine lub. Move the steering wheel once a month at least. The No-Feedback steering cable is stainless but the pipe housing mounted at the transome is aluminum and hence corrodes due to dissimilar metals.
Easy maintenance once it is free again.
Molar