Steering is very stiff, and it obviously needs lubricating. My manual doesn't cover this. According to the index on my owners manual, the steering system manual is on page 32, but the last page is 30, and on-line manuals don't have it at all. What needs doing and how do I get to it?
Thu, 18/12/2025 - 9:11am
#1
Lubricating the Steering System on my 26X (2002)
Stiff steering can also be put down to the rudders not being fully down. In addition if you have the later model X then there is a stop nut and bolt in the base of the rudder stock. The 26M manual gives a better explanation regarding this.
If it is stiff out of the water then you need to find out if its the bowden cables from the wheel by disconnecting the rudder end. If stiff disconnect at the wheel to check whether it's the wheel bearing / gears or the cable.
The above deck steel work is usually too sloppy to be stiff, though if warn oval that could be a problem.
I would just use a dry ptfe spray to lubricate these parts I keep a tin on the boat as its also great for lubricating the sliding hatch.
Stiff bowden cables just need replacing though you could try using ptfe or silicone spray.
The usual problem on both X and M is slop in the steel work bearings a few of us have addressed this by installing replaceable ball joints. See the article at https://macgregorowners.org.uk/node/6345.
Hope this helps. Jonathan