Difficult Steering (port Side)

[JBAMFORD]

Howdy!
I have a 190 with a 115 Yamaha 4strk... and when i turn the wheel to the left (port) it it much more difficult than if the opposite direction! It seems to be more noticeable at higher speeds. Also, I recently greased the steering rods at the transom thinking that might help.
It did not.
Anybody ever have this problem?
Thanks,
Joe

[Cape Codder]

Turn The Trim Tab Under The Cavitation Plate In The Oposite Direction It Is Now Somewhere Near The Center Mark. I Had The Same Problem And This Worked Thru Trial And Error. Hope This Helps.

[mtty]

Try the trim tab and the power trim. For long straight traveling if you trim the motor out the steering will become lighter to the touch.

[MolarBoater]

Agree with the above advice.

I would also ask if you have the "no feedback" non hydraulic steering. Second, make sure you have greased the cable in the splash well and it wouldn't be a bad idea to add a "Cable Buddy" (ss nut with grease nipple) onto the end of the aluminum steering tube that has a plastic cup on the end. The ss cable can freeze up inside the aluminum tube once all the grease either dries up or dissipates.

[JBAMFORD]

Thanks for the tips!! Ill give it a shot.
Molar, yes I do have the "no feedback steering" could this be a factor? Also, where might I find a grease fitting like you describe? I did put grease on the exposed part of the rod that slides back and forth... is there actually grease inside the cable system?
Thanks Yall!
Joe

[JBAMFORD]

Molar,
I just found the Cable Buddy on line. There seem to be two versions( Cable Buddy I and Cable Buddy II) and there is no description to distinguish between them. What type of Outboard is yours on? And which do you use? Thanks again!
Joe

[mtty]

I think the difference in Cable Buddy I & II relates to the size rod they fit. I will caution, from experience, be careful what you put on you steering rod. Previously I used marine grade grease and after a winter of storage my steering "froze". After a $300 cable replacement I know longer use grease. A little WD-40 and I'm good to go.

[JBAMFORD]

Thanks Moretoday!
Do you think I need to somehow remove all of the old grease inside thetube where the rod slides into? Also, do you lube the cables anywhere else on the way from the wheel back?
Thanks!
Joe

[MolarBoater]

Three options. You can install Cable Buddy and use marine grease, use Cable Buddy "fluid" or install hydrolic steering. Otherwise, if the boat is put up for a few months, the ss cable can freeze up in the aluminum tube.
Why not use stainless tubes? I am amazed at how Cable Buddy with marine grease has made steering soooo easy and smooth. I still turn the steering wheel back and forth during storage months to keep anything from freezing up again. Hydrolic just doesn't seem necessary unless originally installed or if you have to replace the cable.

[JBAMFORD]

Thanks! I now have my cable buddy on order!