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Support Tube and Block for VP Steering

6

617mike

Member
Hi All,My support tube on steering,for VP 270 outdrive,broke last week.I got a direct replacement and that also broke.<img class="inlineimg" title="Frown" border="0" alt="" src="images/smilies/frown.png" smilieid="11">Anyway,after looking at things I'm trying to figure if the block that the support tube goes thru is supposed to rotate,even a wee bit.Now mind you that the steering cable is like a big J.However it links to support tube,which goes thru square aluminum block and that provides the housing that the cable goes thru and gets attatched to the tiller...The ANGLE of terminus of cable,tube,block,tube to where it attatches to tiller is that it is aft stbd to fwd port(perhaps 20 degrees or so from parrellel of the transom). <br><br>I'm thinking if all that linkage was parrellel to transom,the block wouldn't have to rotate...but that ain't happening.Also on each side of the block there are nuts are they supposed to be tight or allow the support tube to "drift" a bit.Inside of block there is one small plastic bushing perhaps 3/16"wide.<br><br>In past I have lubed as many zerk fittings that I could find.I've probably never lubed under that block at all.It is attatched it to flanged bracket(off transom) with a cotter pin and washer.That made me think that it was supposed to be somewhat dynamic.However,if I was the person designing this to rotate it would have a small bearing involved.<br><br>I'm thinking of making my own support tube today.Probably going to lube zerk fittings again.At some point I may change to some type of hydrolic steering.(I just don't want to get into that right now.)<br><br>Rainy day musings,thanks!!!<br><br>
 
Anyway,I've got washer and cotter pin out of aluminum block.Block is frozen in steel mounting flange going to transom.I've soaked it with PB Nut-Blaster,to no avail.Tomorrow I plan on heating it a little.I've got another tube on way.Steering cables move freely.Outdrive moves a little with some work.Any words of advice has anyone had something similar happen?THX
 
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