Seized Steering....

[Adamn]

Any idea how to store your rib without the steering seizing up over the winter or during a period of storage.
The reason I ask is last July I put the rib to bed knowing I was not going to be using it far a while due to various reasons. I had it serviced and greased up all the parts that I thought would be vulnerable. I put the engine 3/4 lock fully lubed with the steering bar turned in not open to the elements. I then covered and wrapped the rib and engine securely to avoid the harshness of our seasons.
I managed to get it out last Sunday after 13 months. I went through all the prep drill and everything worked fine except the steering...... After 2 hours work on the cable steering it started working smoothly again.
Is it common practice to work the steering every now and again to keep it free even when you have done all the above.
Thought I'd throw this out and see if it's just me or if others have this problem.

[beamishken]

Probably was going to sieze anyway I've left steering untouched for multiple winters with no special treatment and not had problems
A new cable will probably be fine

[matt h]

Adam. try using one of these, all my ribs have had them and work superbly...Davis Lube II Steering Cable Rod Sealer & Lubricator Kit

If you use thinner grease it does work its way up the cable. and dont over pump it as will push the o ring out of the seal, easy enough to put back in though.

[jonp]

New cables are quite cheap this side of the pond and often quite easy to replace yourself.

[breezeblock]

Originally Posted by matt h

Adam. try using one of these, all my ribs have had them and work superbly...Davis Lube II Steering Cable Rod Sealer & Lubricator Kit

If you use thinner grease it does work its way up the cable. and dont over pump it as will push the o ring out of the seal, easy enough to put back in though.

thats what i am looking for who sells them

[paintman]

When I bought mine the steering was stiff & the crud & corrosion in the tubes in the engine bracket was so hard that it required careful use of an expanding reamer to clean it out.

End of season I pull the engine end of the cables out (mine's got twin steering cables) & clean the tubes they go into in the engine mountings with a shotgun brush & solvent.
Then turn the wheel until the cable ends are fully extended to allow cleaning.
Followed by greasing & re-inserting.
Not had a problem.

If you do find that the cables have seized, DON'T force the steering wheel to try & free them as you are very likely to damage the helm.