Stiff Steering on 95 GTX

[snoman_stl]

I have a 95 SEADOO GTX that the steering is difficult to turn on. Is this most likely the cable on the unit or does the Steering column have a grease inlet to pump grease into? Would anyone have any other suggestions that might be the problem? Thanx for the help...

[Bryan Glynn]

Usually this is due to damage, but a corroded or frayed cable can also easily ddo it. Check the back nozzle at the joine for binding. Check the slider where the cable exits the hull for any bends as it goes through the sheath. If that all looks good disconnect the cable and manually turn the nozzle to isolate where the bind is. If your cable is at all damaged replace it right away.

[Bill O'Neal]

If the cable works ok, then you problem is the steering head itself. The steering yoke ( shaft that the handlebars are mounted to) goes through two bushings in the steering head. Corrosion forms between the fiber bushings and the metal in the steering head and squeezes the bushings and makes the steering tight as they clamp down on the shaft.
The fix is not an easy one, as it requires removing most of the steering appratus and installing new bushings. All corrosion must be removed from the parts to get the new bushings to go into the housing correctly.
I've seen the same thing happen to wear rings in aluminum pumps, when white corrosion builds up behind the wear ring.

This is usually a symptom of saltwater usage, and someting to look for when buying a used ski.

[snoman_stl]

Thanx for the quick replies. I will try the suggestions and let you know. This site is great. I hope the folks at SBT realize how much info like this means to their customers.