Hard Steering

[Chatty21VLX]

On a vdrive do you have to remove anything other than the vdrive side panels to access the tiller arm and steering cable nuts? It started raining so I didn't get to look very long, but this stuff looks pretty difficult to get to.

[oldjeep]

Should be an easy reach if you are sitting inside the compartment

[formulaben]

I took out everything in the locker and had minimal access, and you may wish your arm would contort a little more...but it is doable.  For me the hardest by far was getting the nut off the bolt.  Make sure you have an open end wrench to hold the middle of the bolt (in between the cable and tiller arm) and then a closed end wrench for the locknut.  Since I was alone and could only get one arm into the area I placed the open end wrench so that it hit the tiller arm when I was twisting the nut below it, and that held it in place.  A ratcheting open end wrench would be best and worth your time to buy. 

Are you just removing the cable to diagnose or replacing?  From there, the actual cable replacement went stupid fast for me, and I didn't even have a helper.  I just pulled the connected rope and fed the cable into the hole from the helm at the same time.

[minnmarker]

Here's a good thread,  I found a small pipe wrench to be invaluable in getting the tiller end of the cable disconnected.

 

[Chatty21VLX]

2 hours ago, formulaben said:

I took out everything in the locker and had minimal access, and you may wish your arm would contort a little more...but it is doable.  For me the hardest by far was getting the nut off the bolt.  Make sure you have an open end wrench to hold the middle of the bolt (in between the cable and tiller arm) and then a closed end wrench for the locknut.  Since I was alone and could only get one arm into the area I placed the open end wrench so that it hit the tiller arm when I was twisting the nut below it, and that held it in place.  A ratcheting open end wrench would be best and worth your time to buy. 

Are you just removing the cable to diagnose or replacing?  From there, the actual cable replacement went stupid fast for me, and I didn't even have a helper.  I just pulled the connected rope and fed the cable into the hole from the helm at the same time.

Well, I just ordered a new cable from Bakes so I plan to just replace the cable to see what that does. I called my closest malibu dealer to ask about a rudder bushing and seal kit. She said she would call me back Tuesday  (tomorrow) after she contacts the factory to see what is available to buy for that part.

I guess if the cable alone doesn't work, I will look into replacing the tilt mechanism. 

[formulaben]

Just now, Chatty21VLX said:

Well, I just ordered a new cable from Bakes so I plan to just replace the cable to see what that does. I called my closest malibu dealer to ask about a rudder bushing and seal kit. She said she would call me back Tuesday  (tomorrow) after she contacts the factory to see what is available to buy for that part.

I guess if the cable alone doesn't work, I will look into replacing the tilt mechanism. 

I ordered the bushing kit straight from Marine Hardware.  When I disconnected the tiller I ran the rudder back and forth and it was smooth, so the kit will wait until later...besides, I need to have my boat a little aft on the trailer to drop the rudder.  But so far the work was well worth the time and effort...should have done it a year ago.  Steering is butter smooth now, as it should be.

[Chatty21VLX]

1 hour ago, formulaben said:

I ordered the bushing kit straight from Marine Hardware. 

Do you have the part number? 

[malibu2004]

I did my 04 VLX this weekend on the water. It wasn't to bad.  

[formulaben]

4 hours ago, Chatty21VLX said:

Do you have the part number? 

Invoice says: GARB0.500-PS-OR, description says: 1/2" GarbAsm SS, Plug & 2" Flng w/O-ring.