How to Install Outboard Steering Kits

When you install an outboard steering kit, you must first create a place in your boat's dash or console that can accommodate the helm. The helm is the unit where the steering shaft and the pinion gear join the rack of the rack-and-pinion steering system. Once the helm is installed, you must install the cable that connects the helm and the outboard; then you must connect the cable to the steering rod to establish the link between the steering wheel and the outboard.

Things You'll Need

  • Steering kit
  • Drill
  • 1/4-inch bit
  • 2 1/2-inch hole saw
  • Screwdriver
  • 1 1/2-inch open-end wrench
  • Steering cable
  • Waterproof marine grease
  • Torque wrench
  • Grease gun
  • Wire ties
  • Steering cable clamps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the helm template that comes with the steering kit on the dash. Trace all of the holes and steering shaft opening onto the dash. Drill the smaller holes in the dash, using a 1/4-inch drill bit. Cut the hole for the steering shaft with a 2 1/2-inch hole saw.

    • 2

      Push the helm up under the dash. Push the steering shaft through the steering shaft hole in the dash. Thread the mounting screws through the dash and into the mounting bores on the helm. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver.

    • 3

      Place the Woodruff key from the steering kit in its slot on the steering shaft. Align the steering wheel key way with the Woodruff key. Press the wheel onto the tapered steering shaft. Spin the steering wheel nut onto the shaft and tighten with a 1 1/2-inch open-end wrench.

    • 4

      Go beneath the dash. Remove the retainer screw from the end of the steering rack. Insert the retainer screw through the end of the steering cable. Coat the steering cable end with waterproof marine grease. Thread the retainer screw into the end of the rack and tighten securely with the screwdriver.

    • 5

      Move to the stern of the boat and push the steering cable end through the outboard's tilt tube. Place the steering rod's flat washer on the end of the outboard's steering rod. Insert the steering rod through the end of the steering cable. Thread the 1/2-inch nut from the outboard's steering rod onto the end of the steering rod and tighten, with a torque wrench, to 20 foot-pounds. Pump the Zerk fitting on the tilt tube full, using a grease gun and waterproof marine grease.