steering problem in 1998 sunsetter

(wsdud) · (wsdud) **Join Date: Apr 2006** 10-18-2007, 11:28 AM

My friend has a 1998 malibu sunsetter and in the last few weeks its getting harder the turn the steering wheel. Can anyone tell me what this could be and how to fix it

thanks

(dhr) · (dhr) **Join Date: Feb 2006** 10-18-2007, 11:34 AM

two things there is a grease fitting on the rudder box grease that if it does not free up replace the steering cable

(monkey) · (monkey) **Join Date: Oct 2002** 10-21-2007, 9:39 AM

I had the same boat and that happened. In my case, the cable was starting to rust, and eventually snapped while I was driving, which was dangerous. I had it replaced with a better stearing system. I think he called it "rack and pinion". It never had trouble again.

(pri3st) · (pri3st) **Join Date: Aug 2007** 10-21-2007, 10:17 AM

Does it have a tilt wheel? I have a '93 Sunsetter w/ tilt & it was really hard to turn & had alot of up & down movement & eventually locked up (I procrastinate) Turns out it was the tilt unit. There is a U-joint in there & it broke. I had already ordered a new helm & steering cable (skidim.com) so I replaced it all & eliminated the tilt assembly. But the old steering cable & helm (gearbox behind dash) were still in perfect working order.

(erik_c) · (erik_c) **Join Date: Jan 2005** 10-21-2007, 2:06 PM

Its the cable.