How to Remove Steering Cables From an Outboard

The steering cables that run from the steering wheel to the outboard occasionally need replacement. When you need or want to remove the steering cables from your outboard motor, you don't need any specialized tools. You don't even need to take the cover off the motor. Instead you need to fit a wrench beneath the attachment bracket where the steering link rod is tied to the engine -- a tight fit.

Instructions

  1. Removing a Steering Cable

    • 1

      Hold the washer-head bolt that connects the end of the steering-link rod to the engine with a 7/8-inch box-end wrench. Remove the nylon-insert lock nut and the washers on the end of the bolt using a 7/8-inch open-end wrench.

    • 2

      Remove the 3/4-inch lock nut and washers from the end of the steering-link rod that is connected to the steering cable, using a box-end or adjustable wrench.

    • 3

      Lift the steering link rod from the end of the steering cable.

    Reinstalling a Steering Cable

    • 4

      Insert the threaded end of the steering-link rod through a 3/4-inch flat washer. Insert the threaded end of the steering-link rod through the end of the steering cable.

    • 5

      Place a 3/4-inch flat washer on the threaded end of the steering link rod. Thread a 3/4-inch nylon-insert lock nut onto the end of the steering-link rod.

    • 6

      Move the free end of the steering link rod over the attachment bracket on the motor. Insert a 7/8-inch washer-head bolt through a flat washer.

    • 7

      Insert the 7/8-inch bolt through the attachment bracket. Slide a 7/8-inch flat washer onto the end of the bolt and thread a 7/8-inch nylon-insert lock nut onto the bolt.

    • 8

      Hold the 7/8-inch nylon-insert lock nut with a 7/8-inch open-end wrench. Tighten the 7/8-inch bolt to 20 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench.