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MFS5B steering friction adjustment does next to nothing

W

whitegreg56

Regular Contributor
It's a 5 HP 4-stroke serial # 017889AX. Very lightly used.
Everything looks to be in good condition. If the steering-friction wing-nut
is tightened down hard, it has no effect on the difficulty in turning the
motor. The spring and washer are in place. Can't figure out what the
problem could be.
 
The steering friction is just that -- friction -- not a steering lock. Someone has hopelessly over-tightened the adjustment, in an attempt to use it as a steering lock, and distorted the friction band. In most cases, the band must be replaced, but sometimes, it can be re-shaped and re-used. If a lock is needed, that is available as a separate accessory.
 
Likely the prior owner did exactly that. If I take the swivel bracket "B" off, can I then
install a new friction band assembly? Or, do I have to take more than that
apart? For example, does the driveshaft housing have to come apart?
I do not have a Factory Service Manual and I'd rather not buy one as this
seems to be the only problem with the engine.
 
You just need to split the swivel bracket apart you can fo it on a bench. Get some good marine lithium grease and clean everything good and put it back together. It may need a new friction band you will know once you take it apart. Four bolts and the bracket should fall off the leg.
 
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