Stuck steering mechanism on '97 26X

[Joe Umali]

I am in the Philippines and I own a 1997 MacGregor 26 X (MCAX 09521697) and its steering system does not work. I believe it is because the rod at the starboard side that extends out of the tilt tube is stuck. An arm is connected to this rod, the end of which is connected to the linkage that makes the whole system work as the wheel is turned. The rod at the port side which is connected to the cable coming from the wheel, and goes through the tilt tube, seems to be disconnected from the stuck rod because it can be moved. I may be wrong with my assumptions but If any member has experienced the same problem I would appreciate knowing how he solved the problem. I would also appreciate receiving other possible causes and suggestions on how to solve it. The possibility of the rod being frozen is out of the question because we do not have winter in the Philippines. Thanks,

Joe U.

[gypsy spirit]

Hi,
I recently bought a /96 26X in which the wheel would not turn in either direction.
I believe the term frozen in this case refers to two parts rusting together as in the cable in the casing.
I used copious amounts of liquid wrench sprayed into both ends of the cable ( with the cable detached from the steering assembly and the casing lowered behind the wheel.
With the liquid wrench sprayed in and bumping the wheel back and forth it eventually came
Loose.
Good luck with yours!
Richard

[Chinook]

If it froze up once, it's apt to do it again. And, with corrosion likely involved, a steering failure could occur at any time. Lots of accounts on this board of steering failures with the X. Unless you know that your steering gear has been replaced, it's a good idea to look into installing new steering linkage. You'll be amazed with how smoothly the wheel operates, once you make the change.

[sljury]

Hi Joe
I had a very similar problem with my 2001 .
How I got around this was removing the cable attached to the motor, Once this is done get a hose that fits over the top of the whole shaft and put a hose clamp onto the cable housing. This leaving the cable shaft to move inside the hose. Hold the hose and cable upright and put into the hose some RP7 or similar lubricating products to un-seize the cable, around 100 ml will do. On the other end of the hose apply an air hose fitting for compressed air to fit onto with a hose clamp. Open compressed air into the hose around 50 psi will do and jiggle the steering wheel back and forth, allowing the RP7 or solvent to be pushed down the cable by compressed air. Take care at the other steering end because a lot of black junk makes a mess. Once you have freed up the cable apply the same process with gear oil or marine grade oil into the cable. This worked a treat with mine and still today my steering is free as a new boat.
Kind Regards
Steve
Australia

[RobertB]

Sounds similar to a pressure cable lubricator I bought many years ago for the motorcycle. One like http://www.amazon.com/Raider-7-100-Inje ... PG45YYXK0B

[Herschel]

I have a '98 26X. The original owner installed an upgraded steering system, and I have had it lubricated a few times by marine techs that have serviced my boat/engine. Is there a particular preventative maintenance that we should be doing to these steering systems that would help us avoid corrosion and freeze ups?

[Don T]

Hello,
Water invades at the cable end and can freeze the cable as others suggest. My 95 mac has the steering cable ran through the motor as yours does and eventually the rod froze inside the tilt tube. The wear and water intrusion wore off the cad plating on the inside which took about 15 years. I had to cut the cable off to get it all apart (a shame since the helm and cable were only 2 years old). I replaced the tilt tube with stainless pipe. Had to have it threaded at a machine shop. I would hope it is a permanent repair. Of course I had to replace the steering again which I chose the U-flex rotary helm.

U-flex helm


Original Cad / plated 7/8" pipe. Lots of rust and corrosion.


New stainless pipe. Cad plated nut has rusted since the repair but not the stainless pipe.