possible tilt tube and steering replacement

[fishbuster]

I bought a 1997 Tracker Pro 17 with a 40 hp over the winter. The steering cable was seized when I bought the boat but I figured I would be able to free it up with some PB blaster. The boat had been sitting for a few years. Well after trying a couple things I am still unable to get the steering to budge. I am going to try applying some heat this weekend, but if that doesn't work it looks like I am going to have to remove the cable and tilt tube together and try separating them or replacing both.

It looks like replacement tilt tubes are too expensive so I plan on buying one and installing it as soon as I take out the old one. Based on what I could find on line it looks like I need to borrow a hoist to support the out board when I remove the tube, but it doesn't look too bad to replace.

Just wondering if any one has replaced the tilt tube on their out board before and if there is anything I should keep in mind.

Also wondering if any one has replaced the steering cable on a similar Tracker and what type they got and if there is anything to watch out for.

Thanks for the help

Joe

 

[WVfishnfool]

It's probably just the cable that's seized. Before you remove the outboard take the steering wheel off and remove the steering helm from the console and try pulling the cable through from that end. Just unbolt the cable from the motor and remove the nut from the tilt tube and unless they have the cable and wiring all taped together you should be able to pull it through without removing the motor. Either way you're still going to have to remove the cable from the helm to pull it. If it's the old Safe-T Quick system which I'm betting it is there is a clamp on the helm that has to be removed in order to pull the cable from the helm. If you get up under the dash you can see where the cable enters the helm and see the clamp I'm talking about. If it's in that bad of shape I'd consider replacing the entire system with a new rack and pinion system. Bass Pro sells the rack and the Safe-T Quick System. Here's a couple of links. As far as the tilt tube goes unless it's completely rusted up or pitted inside it should be alright. If it's not in real bad shape on the inside and just needs some cleaning you could use a small cylinder hone to clean it up once you remove the cable. For some reason the link to the Teleflex Rack and Pinion System on BassPro isn't working but just type in steering systems in BassPro's search block and it will come up.
https://www.basspro.com/SafeT-Quick-Steering-System-Replacement/product/1160/