How do I know if I need a new steering cable for my Johnson 115hp outboard or if the problem is something else

Question

I have a 92 johnson 115hp, I disconnected the cable from the outboard and the motor moves back and forth freely, I cannot get the cable completely out from the outboard.... The cable itself seems stiff... and I cannot turn the steering wheel... If I tried I think I would break something behind the dash... Does this mean I need a new cable? behind the steering wheel I have a rectangular box with a circle in the middle...

heres a pic (roughly drawn) http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/2489/steeringcolumga1.jpg

What type of steering is this, and Im guessing it needs to be replaced?

Answer 1

Before you replace anything, Lubricate the cable drum and steering shaft.  Try WD40 or something similar.  Then turn the steering wheel back and forth to see if it will  loosen up.

Corrosion is a big problem in the marine environment.

Answer 2

most people make the mistake of putting grease in the extension rod, ie at the end of the cable and attaches to the motor, this attracts paricals and siezes up, like you explained.. you need to flush this cleen with petrol and only use wd40 in this shaft and regularly, like every time you use the boat as well as taking the cowling off and spraying the engine all over.  you may also need to take the cable right out and flush it through with wd40 i have donethis before and it took a long time a few days hang the cable up so it can all run out and work it through, also clean out the box behind the wheel , you will need to take it off too.

this is the problem with using grease , it dries out and becomes sticky..

but it may be worth the hundred bucks or so to buy a new cable then you only have to clean the box and from then on do "not" put grease in the cable extention sleave,,, again only use wd40