G1 Steering

[wildman1]

I have a 1984 Yamaha G1 and the steering is wore out. I need to tie rods that go from the bottom of the steering column to each wheel for sure. Is there any other recommended parts I should change while doing this, bushings pins, etc? It doesn't get used that much but 2 months ago I could drive with one hand, Sunday I had to fight it with both hands just to get it to turn either direction. Any help would be appreciated.

[smokindawg]

Sounds like you should open the steering box and check it as well as pull the steering arms and possibly check/change the rod ends.

I'd also jack it up and check the king pins and bushings in the spindles. It is upwards of 30 years old and probably hasn't had much done to the front maintenance wise.

Good luck with the repair.

[Cvans]

Check the splines on the output shaft of the steering box. The nut was loose on mine and the splines were worn and very loose.

[wildman1]

Thanks for the advice. Any suggestions on which of the site sponsors would be the best to buy the parts from? Also, I had heard you could pack the steering box with grease instead of oil, is this true? There is a small adjustment screw on the front cover of the steering box that seems to tighten the steering, is there a recommendation on how tight or just go off of feel?

[Cvans]

You can use grease "but" it will get pretty stiff in cold weather and may not lubricate the upper bearings unless you fill the box completely up.
Tighten the screw just until you feel resistance at each end of the turning cycle then back the screw out until the resistance is gone. There should be no binding at any point when turning the wheel from end to end.