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A couple of weekends ago I lost my steering while on the water. I have twin 90's out boards. Long story I'll make this quick. What broke was not the cable or bar controlling the motors, but what comes out from the motor. Not sure what you call it, but the item that connects to the steering bar/rod. This piece comes from the center of the motor out and then connects to the steering rod then the cable part that goes thru the motor. It sucked, a long ride back home. Had to steer by moving 1 motor by hand. I always have checked the cable, grease it so it would not freeze up at the motor, checked nuts and bolts often etc....It never occured to me to check this thing, it just simply seemed to erode away. I checked the other motor and its not far behind. 92 Yamaha's great shape except for this problem. Bottom line is this going to be $$$$$ or is it something that hopefully will not cost a lot? Any words are appreciated/sp?.

I had this same problem on a couple motors, and I think that to replace the control arm you have to remove the power head, $$ unless you can pull them yourself.

Thanks SF for your reply, it depressed me. Are there any others out there who might have a comment on this subject. I'm wondering if I repair it then just sell it. The boat is worth only about $5000.00 working. Like I said, everything is fine except the steering. Wondering if its worth it to repair or just sell as parts.

Go to Walmart or a book store and get a Tune-up and Repair manual, it could save you some big bucks cost is generally around $35

PS: You can go here and get a decent visual of most Yamaha engines
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/ca ... otors.aspx

Go to Parts and Service, then Parts Catalog It do run slowly at times though

Call a welder, they may be able to repair the broken one, and you sure want to have the other engine taken in and a piece of SS pipe shaped and welded over the steering arm that is rusted. TREAT RUST WITH "OSPHO" FIRST. cost for this repair is a lot less than replacement.

Don't want to futher depress you, but here's my two cents. Had the same thing happen a lot of years back. Johnsons are terrible about this problem. Do yourself a favor and correct it the right way. Replace the swival arm. Yes power head has to be removed$$$$$ The arm will cost about $300 to $350 plus gaskets and misc. parts. It takes about four to five hours labor. Your looking at $700-$750 if the corrosion is not too bad on the other parts.

Safety is invaluable.... Would never trust a weld in this piece..especially with duel set-up. You don't want to end up hurting yourself or someone else by trying to save money. This is one part that has to be right.

So now your really depressed...sorry...you asked.