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i have a 2005 180 Dauntless, the steering gets really tight not frozen, but very tight ven after getting on plane. I have flushed out the steering rod and tilt, but because of deck configuration at the stern I have not been able to pull the steering cable all of the way out. What can I do, who has had experience with this?

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You need to move the engine to get the cable out. Once free is it still hard to turn? If so it needs to be replaced. There is no other way that I know of to test it.

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sounds like i need a professional who can move the motor and replace the cable. probably would replace the whole system to the helm/ is that what you recommend?

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when i disconnect the steering arm, the motor rotates smoothly and easily. the rod moves some, but not much travel before it gets tight, which tells me I need to get the rod out, clean tube and rod and lube, but I think if I have to go through the effort of moving the motor to get the cable and steering rod out, I probably should just replace the whole system.

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No need to replace the helm if still good, just the cable.