Steering design fault ?

Dear All,
Here's a picture of how the mechanical steering cable is attached to the OB on my Jeanneau boat >



On the left, you see the cable coming out of the splashwell side. It makes a small curve to the tilt tube. Because of this curve, the ram cannot be taken out of the tilt tube, unless the engine is detached from the mounts.

In order to take the ram out of the tilt tube (for periodical cleaning/greasing as specified by Seastar) the cable needs to be attached in a straight line, without that curve. To resolve this problem, a new opening in the splashwell needs to be created directly opposite the tilt tube. Here's a picture where the little spot (laser pointer) indicates more-or less where that new opening would come >



I wonder if creating a new opening (2 inches) on that spot is feasible as it is very close to the edge where the splashwell corners with the stern.
Appears to me like a design fault, and I even wonder if a hydraulic system would be the proper solution for this situation.
What's your opinion ?

Big thanks,
V.

 

Have you checked your manual? Normally there are three zerks in that area, two for the tilt and one for the steering.
What year is your engine.

 

Thanks...but I don't follow
Motor is a 2017 Suzuki DF115a, steering is a mono cable type Seastar NFB Safe T 2

 

That is misaligned. I have fixed that before by making the hole oblong, and replacing the grommet
Wire Protector Oil Resistant Armature Oval Rubber Grommets 30x65mm Mounting 4Pcs | eBay

 

Most engines have 3 grease nipples on close to the steering tube
One on each side for the pivot and one for the steering tube, wondered if you had checked the manual in case you have not found the one for the steering. On some engines, you have to remove the cowl to see it
and sometimes they are the type that are not a grease nipple but an inverted dome that you need a special adapter to go on the end of your grease gun

 

There are two grease nipples on the swivel bracket, on both ends of the tilt tube.
Are you saying that these nipples grease the tilt tube, so the ram doesn't need to be taken out periodically, as the Seastar manual specifies ?

THANKS

 

Any idea how to replace the grommet without engine removal ...?
To get the cable aligned properly, the route of the cable will become a bit longer, so maybe needs a new cable I guess.
Does your oblong grommet keep the water out ??

Thanks

 

No, the two on the bracket are for the tilt hinge. But most outboard manufacturers have a third that will provide a port to the grease when the ram is extended.

 

There is indeed a third port, but that one greases the swivel hinge.

 

You can cut the grommet and glue the ends together.