Why does the steering on my outboard motor freeze?

Answer by  mb (5482)

You have a problem with your hydralic fluid. This allows you to move the outboard easily. Try draining and replacing the fluid.

Answer by  eiryck (847)

There are different possibilities why the steering mechanism of an outboard motor freezes. This maybe due to the lack of greasing of the pistons as they are exposed most of the time to atmosphere and water and leaking of hydraulic oil due to defective hydraulic cable resulting to no pressure to facilitate steering.

Answer by  zeak (16)

The steering mechanism for an outboard motor is a series of pistons that are exposed to the atmosphere by all sides. It is common for water to accumulate and freeze.

Answer by  markkk (11)

whats frozen the cable, or engine pivot. If the motor pivot is the problem, get some marine grease in a grease gun, try to grease the pivot. If it won't free up apply lots of heat. Like oxy/ace to the pivotand pump grease at the same time. Then just do a little maintains and you will not have this problem.

Answer by  hahagal (983)

There could be many reasons why your steering may freeze. One of the more common reason could be that their is no steering fluid in the steering wheel.

Answer by  snoopy2007200 (70)

Two possibilities for why your steering may freeze. water in your hydraulic lines or leaking hydraulic lines and no pressure.

Answer by  colaw (43)

Because the liquids inside of the motor are frozen and they get really hard there for rendering the steering colum frozen

Answer by  AllenH (64)

The steering component of your boat is probably bad. It may be corroded and stuck in the tube of your outboard motor. You will may need to replace the steering component.