posted 07-15-2008 10:16 PM ET (US)
B -To identify what kind of steering helm you have, look at the back of the helm.
A 20 minute Google search of Teleflex documents resulted in no guidance on lubricating the helm.
To verify where the "stiffness" is, unbolt the arm that attaches from the cable to the engine bracket and turn the wheel. This will tell you if it is the helm and/or the cable or the motor.
While a steersman nut with the grease fitting will help prevent the cable from freezing inside the tilt tube, it may be time to do a thorough cleaning in the tilt tube.
Due to a tight stern area, one method to removing the cable is to loosen the starboard bolts of the engine bracket so you can angle it. Note the engine should be touching the ground and have a helper assisting. This allows you room to pull the cable out of the tilt tube of the engine.
Once the cable is removed, clean the tilt tube and remove all the old grease. A shotgun cleaner has been suggested as an effective tool.
Clean the cable in both the extended and retracted positions.
Lube the cable, lube the tilt tube and re-insert the cable.