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Stiff Steering

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rcr0729

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"I have a 1995 3.0 Mercruiser

"I have a 1995 3.0 Mercruiser LX inboard engine. I currently have stiff steering and while under load in certain situations it becomes difficult to turn. I read the manual and it said to grease through a zirc fitting if possible and if not to lubricate with "special lubricant 101". 1. Should I grease the metal shaft or does this seem like a steering cable problem.

Thanks for your help,

Jonathan"
 
"Also have power steering? If

"Also have power steering? If so that can have problems such as low fluids or slipping drive belt, or even failing pump. Switching over to synthetic ATF fluid helped my SeaRay when it was about 15 years old.
I would grease up everything that has a connection or sliding surface, and any zerks you find, and give it a try after allowing grease to distribute some.
If that does not cure the problem, disconnect the push-pull steering cable and see how stiff the cable alone feels. Some cable I have been able to open and grease the inner cable and some I have not. If cable can not be freed up, replacement is the fastest cure, but I must say I have never had any problems with one less than about ten years age.
The mechanism at the wheel can also use cleaning and some grease on occasion. Sometime stiff steering is additive from several locations that need some attention.

Note I have concentrated on steering mechanism only above. Have you greased up the OD unit so that the rear drive is actually capable of turning free? Being only three years old the OD pivots should not be worn out, but could certainly need good grease."
 
"My manual says to use Mercriu

"My manual says to use Mercriuzer 2-4-C Lubricant with the grease fittings, but any good marine grease should work. For connections not directly exposed to water and that do not have grease fittings, the manual specifies motor oil.

I am not sure 2-4-C is the current Mercury product name, as my manual is for 1988 year. I actually use marine grease and have for many years as Mercury branded products are not available very readily here."
 
"2-4-c is the correct Mercruis

"2-4-c is the correct Mercruiser product name, you can purchase it through any local MerCruiser dealer, or West Marine."
 
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