Tilt tube relacement and suggestions

[Fishhyren11]

I replaced my steering and found that the tilt tube seems to have quite a bit of rust/corrosion.

Can anyone give me suggestions for replacing the tilt tube?
Can I secure the motor/support it, cut out the center of the tilt-tube and hammer out one side at a time?
Doing this might allow me to push out one side, slide in the new tube through one support, and then hammer it through to push out the second half?

Is this not a good idea?  Anyone who's done this, please suggest something better if not!
I don't have a crane/skeg so I was going to try to tilt the motor all the way down to have it on the ground, then tilt the trailer all the way up, thus supporting the weight (only need to keep it from leaning).

Anways, if I need to take it someplace, I will, but I want to get back out on the water!
Thanks!

[slvrlng]

I watched my mechanic buddy do a customers boat using a splined driveshaft of the right size driven in from the port side. the cool thing was it is such a good fit it even cleans the tube as he hammers it through!

[Fishhyren11]

I'm a bit confused by your response...
So he didn't replace it, he just hammered out the inside of the old one?

If this is all that holds the engine on the boat, and it appears pretty rusted, am I best off just cleaning up the old one?

I was pretty sure I wanted to replace the old one, just not sure if I can hammer the old one out by sticking in the new one and hammering it through.

[slvrlng]

Yours must be way worse! His actual tube wasn't that bad just corroded on the inside from lack of lubrication. Yes you would probably have to brace the motor somehow to keep it altogether and in line. Try posting this on www.iboats.com in their engine section. Someone there should have a quick and correct answer really quick.

[allen456]

I am open to suggestions too.  Whenever I tilt the motor, it makes this awful "creeking" noise and i think that it is the actual reason for my steering issues.  I am lucky enough to have a neighbor with a motor lift and a mini escavator that I will use to hoist the motor, but would like to know any tips or tricks without completely unbolting the motor ( wish I could just go ahead and get a new motor).

[RebelYell]

....I am open to suggestions too.  Whenever I tilt the motor, it makes this awful "creeking" noise and i think that it is the actual reason for my steering issues....

Ummmm.....

I had the same problem and found that the trim piston rods needed lubrication where they hit the striker plates. The trim piston rods have a little roller bearing in them that contacts the striker plate. Hit this with some marine grade grease and the problem "may" go away.

 :joker:

[GoneFission]

I have hammered the old steering rod out with a new one before...  

Use a cover or a non-mar hammer to protect the ends if you decide to go that route.  

Lots of penetrating oil and patience helps as well.  

[slvrlng]

Hey fishyren, I am sorry I misunderstood your question. Thats why I said to post it over at iboats. Just one question ,what year and type of motor do you have? If you haven't asked them at iboats yet I can ask for you and link it back here!