Morse steering system maintenance

[bobherk]

Hi, I have a 1997 Mac 26X and I'd like to lubricate the Morse steering system. Do I need to split the helm assembly box to pull and lubricate the cable? Are there parts in the helm assembly that need lubricating? I haven't been successful in finding any useful information on servicing this unit. Thanks for your help, Bob

[Jimmyt]

A couple of videos on working the end of the system that normally gives issues.

I’ve also seen guidance on pressure lubricating the cable from the motor end.

I haven’t seen anyone working the wheel end of the system - except to replace the whole system.

Are you having symptoms, or just trying to prevent problems?

And, welcome to the Forum! It’s great to have you participating!

[bobherk]

Thanks for the reply Jimmy. Much appreciated. I'm just trying to prevent future issues with preventive maintenance. I will look into the stuff you mentioned. I do like the pressure lube from the aft concept you mentioned. Something to look into as there seems to be no way to lubricate the system from the helm other than parting the case. If the cable is pulled from the aft end, can it be fished back into the helm housing unit?

Thanks again for your help, Bob

[Jimmyt]

I would not attempt to pull the cable out of the system. I would attempt to pressure lube it in situ; but only if it’s getting stiff.

If it’s giving you no problems, I’d clean and grease the exposed/easy access stuff at the outboard and call it done.

Make sure you grease the outboard fittings where the motor steers and tilts. Our club’s RIB steering got stiff. Upon pulling the steering linkage off, I found the steering cable moved freely, but the outboard was very hard to pivot. I suspect our brackish water got in and worked its magic…

[bobherk]

Thank you for the additonal info Jimmy. I'll pull the linkage from the motor and see what I've got at that point. And I'll do that motor end maintenance too. Thanks again, Bob

[socalmacer]

I recently replaced the entire steering system on my 1996 2 years ago as I found the outer cable cover (plastic) had degraded in numerous of places. This led to the rusting of the outer cable housing (carbon steel) in numerous locations. Eventually the steering starting becoming stiffer which I attribute to these areas of rust. The new steering system (direct replacement and readily available) has a lot less play in it and is not stiff at all (I forgot how the steering was when the boat was new). The one thing I learned is to keep the outboard motor in the down position when on the trailer as this puts a lot less stress on the steering cable and reduces the tendency of the plastic cover from cracking. My recommendation is to just replace the old steering system and get another 20+ years of use out of it. Good luck!

[krum]

Like your thinking, there are better uses for your time. The most time consuming part for my replacement was routing the cable thru the aft end of the boat. Next time, a messenger line will surely help.