Lubrication mechanical steering ?

[Vronsky]

Dear all, I have mechanical steering on my DF115A. Do the push rods and tube need regular lubrication ?
Am noticing that the wheel turns a bit hard lately.

THANKS,
V.

[Moonlighter]

Some light spray such as WD40 on the steering rod regularly is a good idea. And check that the seals at each end are still there and in good condition.

However, there are really a couple of things more likely to cause stiff steering than the push rods thru the tilt tube.

One is the steering cable. The other is the engine’s steering pivot.

To find out which is fairly easy.

Disconnect the steering arm from the engine.

Now the engine should swing side to side very very easily. If it does, then that eliminate the engines steering pivot. If it doesnt fall side to side very easily, then the pivot tube needs attention - start by pumping some grease into the grease zerks. You have to trim the engine up high to get to some of them. Get enough in so you see fresh grease coming out the top and bottom, if possible. Work the engine side to side. With some luck it should free up and become smooth and easy to turn the engine side to side. From then on, grease the zerks every 6 months.

So if thats OK, the finger then points to the steering cable itself. With it still disconnected from the engine, turn the steering wheel. Again it should be light and very easy to turn. If its not, then likely the steering cable has got corroded inside or otherwise damaged, and should be replaced. Bit of a job but a handy person can do it. Plenty of videos online I expect.

If neither of those things are the problem the tilt tube that the steering cable goes thru could be gunked up or have salt corrosion inside. You are then going to have to pull the steering rod out and clean it out in there. But check the other things first as they are easy to check and eliminate or confirm as the problem.

[tsturm]

Very good advice! & don't waste your time trying to lube a bad steering cable.

[Vronsky]

Greased both ends of the drag link, and moved the drag link end on the motor back to the forward bolt hole on the steering bracket: this was changed during the last service job.
Helm now turns smoothly again.