2003 Response LXI Ski Pylon Maintenance

[jtormey]

Hello Crew. The swivel part of my pylon still turns but not freely.  I've never touched the thing since we got the boat. How should I lubricate/maintain it now? Thanks for the expertise.

[Woodski]

Remove the top cap to expose the nut, remove and the swivel top pulls off to reveal the bearing.  Clean and grease if in good condition.  There is a diagram available, google or look at owners manual, Malibu brochure.

[tvano]

cap is held on w an o-ring.  corrosion will likely make it difficult to remove.  perhaps a bit of spray silicone might help?

use caution removing the chrome plated plastic cap else you will chip the plating which will catch / fray the ski line.

i've had good luck with a pair of safety razor blades then a screwdriver between them.  

[raming]

My Y2000 Malibu Response LX also has a sticky swivel. Here is how I freed it up:

1. Pried off the Black Cap on the top of the swivel with a sharp edged tool (pen knife).

2. Remove the Swivel Nut with a suitable open or closed end wrench. Note that the Nut has a AllenKey Insert which is used to adjust the Nut offset on the thread to adjust the amount of swivel free play. If the clearance is too small, the swivel will bind.

3. Slide off the Swivel Assembly and expose the Tapered Roller Bearing that mates with the Post Swivel shaft.

4. Remove hardened grease residue. If necessary, loosen the multiple rollers with penetrating oil. Regrease the bearing and reassemble on the shaft.

5. Tighten the Swivel Nut. Check the ease of rotation of the Swivel. If too tight, while holding the Nut with an open-end wrench, loosen (CCW) the Allen Insert slightly.