How to loosen steering?

[wingtime]

I agree with Blue Agave's suggestion.  Unbolt the link that connects the cable to the motor.  See how easy the motor turns, then see how easy the steering turns by itself.  Your cable could also be sticking in the motor tilt tube.

[Speedfreak95]

Finally getting some time to mess with the boat been caught up with work and a new baby on the way 5 weeks and counting! I need a new helm from the looks of the existing helm being rusted and the steering wheel mount looking rusted as well. I've greased those zerks a few times and haven't seen much of an improvement I have to throw a good amount of power into turning the steering wheel I'm assuming the cable is ancient

Any recommendations on brands? Teleflex nfb or teleflex safe t qc?

[wingtime]

I switched to the NFB helm on my 170. Makes driving the boat much more relaxing. You don't realize how fatiguing it is fighting the torque of the motor all day long.

[Levi]

My brother has two really nice ones he'd let go for a song - they're both almost new and I made sure he kept all the hardware and the helm trim when he took them off they're complete from helm to cable with no rust and the cable moves very freely.
One came off a 222 flatback and the other came off a 246 family fishermen
He has them posted on Treasure Coast Craigslist with measurements if you're interested.

[Speedfreak95]

Well I pulled my steering cable off and gave the tilt tube and steering cable a good clean definitely loosened up the steering. Have 2 questions for you guys

1. I added a tilt tube sealer cap that traps the grease/lube in the tube but now that has made my steering tight again could I pull it off and file it out to make it a little looser?

2. My tilt tube has 2 zerk fittings one on each end. There is a hole in the center of the tilt tube now that I have added the sealer cap when I turn the steering my white lithium grease is coming out of the hole? I'll try to take pictures but not entirely sure if the center hole is useful or a possible hole for a zerk fitting the old owner never added