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Author Topic:   Johnson 70 frozen steering arm

geo15sport posted 05-05-2011 08:32 AM ET (US)
I have a 1987 Johnson 70 hp that has a frozen steering arm (cable has been removed). I've heated with torch half dozen times and can get grease to come out the bottom bushing but not the top. Motor will turn back and forth with some force but am concerned that steering will be stiff and that it will only get worse. I believe my only remedy (short of complete disassembly) is to drill and tap new grease zirc just below top bushing of steering bracket. Has anyone tried this, would this weaken the cast metal of bracket?
westcoastwhaler posted 05-05-2011 09:40 AM ET (US)
I have a 1988 70 HP Johnson with the same problem. I pumped in about 5 oz. of grease with no change in the friction.
I spoke with an outboard mechanic friend and he recommend using penetrating oil at the top to "burn out" the old grease that is locking it up. Apply penetrating oil, turn wheel back and forth to work it in and re-apply. Once the old grease is out then re-grease. He recommended Kroil, but I haven't been able locate it locally so I have been applying WD-40 for the past few days and it is getting better, but still needs work.
As far as grease goes, OMC Triple-Guard is the recommendation that I received.
64sakopete posted 05-06-2011 12:51 AM ET (US)
try to find some PB Blaster, auto parts store, a penatrant, follow directions and it just might help. Good luck.
Tohsgib posted 05-06-2011 11:30 AM ET (US)
Carb cleaner will work as well.
westcoastwhaler posted 05-09-2011 12:07 PM ET (US)
Great suggestions! I happen to have a can of both in the garage. I will start today and report back on success.

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Author	Topic: Johnson 70 frozen steering arm
geo15sport	posted 05-05-2011 08:32 AM ET (US) I have a 1987 Johnson 70 hp that has a frozen steering arm (cable has been removed). I've heated with torch half dozen times and can get grease to come out the bottom bushing but not the top. Motor will turn back and forth with some force but am concerned that steering will be stiff and that it will only get worse. I believe my only remedy (short of complete disassembly) is to drill and tap new grease zirc just below top bushing of steering bracket. Has anyone tried this, would this weaken the cast metal of bracket?
westcoastwhaler	posted 05-05-2011 09:40 AM ET (US) I have a 1988 70 HP Johnson with the same problem. I pumped in about 5 oz. of grease with no change in the friction. I spoke with an outboard mechanic friend and he recommend using penetrating oil at the top to "burn out" the old grease that is locking it up. Apply penetrating oil, turn wheel back and forth to work it in and re-apply. Once the old grease is out then re-grease. He recommended Kroil, but I haven't been able locate it locally so I have been applying WD-40 for the past few days and it is getting better, but still needs work. As far as grease goes, OMC Triple-Guard is the recommendation that I received.
64sakopete	posted 05-06-2011 12:51 AM ET (US) try to find some PB Blaster, auto parts store, a penatrant, follow directions and it just might help. Good luck.
Tohsgib	posted 05-06-2011 11:30 AM ET (US) Carb cleaner will work as well.
westcoastwhaler	posted 05-09-2011 12:07 PM ET (US) Great suggestions! I happen to have a can of both in the garage. I will start today and report back on success.