Freeing severely seized steering rod (the gentle way)

C

Ctarmigan

Member
Backed off my trailer at the launch this weekend, only to discover I had no steering. Managed to resolve the briefly stressful boat control problem, then set about trying to free up my seized steering rod. Common enough issue, with plenty of internet solutions, but mine appeared resistant to any of the usual tap/push/pound options out there – it was very seized.

After exhausting my options for trying to push or hammer the rod back into the tilt tube (toward the outboard) without success, I used a 2x4 to pry it slowly it out of the tilt tube, which had the benefit of not risking deformation of the rod end by continuing to hammer on it. I haven’t seen a method like this documented anywhere, and it worked very well, so I’m putting it here so that it’s potentially findable/helpful for others.

1. Remove steering arm
2. About 12” from one end of a 2x4, drill a hole that will somewhat generously fit the steering rod diameter
3. Slide 2x4 onto steering rod, with long end projecting aft of the transom
4. Optional – add a large washer over the steering rod end
5. Put a snug-fitting rod into the steering rod hole that used to house the steering arm, to act as a pin to keep the 2x4 on the rod
6. Put a wooden block or two between the outboard transom mount and the 2x4, such that when you apply levering force to the long end it doesn’t try to bend the rod off to one side
7. Apply levering force to the long end of the 2x4 (toward the outboard)
8. Have a friend carefully tap the short end of the 2x4 with a mallet
9. Pull out majority of steering rod (use steering arm length to check you don’t go beyond maximum), and clean and lubricate thoroughly
10. Proceed with whatever cleaning/lubrication/removal/replacement of the now-freed steering rod and tilt tube that you have planned

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I've had steering rods do that too! I don't remember how I got them to free up, but it was nothing like that. Knowing how I do things, I'm pretty sure heat and chemicals were involved.
 
I did start out with applying as much heat and hammering as I dared, but a) wasn't able to get anywhere and b) on further research became more concerned about potentially damaging the steering rod/cable and the meltier components within the tilt tube. The 2x4 method was plan B.
 
Same thing happen to me on the dock on Denman island huge panic! Finally just nailed it with a lead weight full force and it just released! Oiled it up and hasn’t happened since!
 
Same thing happened to me a few springs ago. I thought I had run through everything prior to first launch but turns out I never tried to turn the wheel. I went to back off the dock and it was totally locked. I ended up bending the rod trying to free it in the harbor (and salvage my trip). So I missed my trip and added a repair problem. I did learn from YouTube shortly after getting home that locking a pair of vice grips on the rod and twisting it will often break it free if it’s corroded. This did immediately free mine up. I’m sure it won’t always work but a good method to remember to try in addition to any push/pull approaches.
 
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