I need help with a Minn Kota Maxxum Shaft Repair
AFChief
Posted 4/7/2009 5:45 PM (#370826)
Subject: I need help with a Minn Kota Maxxum Shaft Repair




Posts: 550


Location: So. Illinois		I need help from anyone who has repaired or replaced the outer shaft (tube) on a Minn Kota Maxxum foot control (cable steer) trolling motor. The one I have is a 74lbs with 60” shaft.

I was out this weekend and damaged the upper, outer tube on the trolling motor shaft to the point where the inner composite shaft is binding with that outer tube. I installed the Maxxum on an old runabout a couple of years ago and failed to provide the necessary clearance between the trolling motor shaft and my bow (stupid I know). Essentially, I eliminated the functionality of that upper gimble, wind caught the boat and slammed the lower unit into a stump and bang -- outer tube is bent. Is replacing the outer tube a job that a fairly competent individual (mechanically) can accomplish?

The question I have is, in order to change that tube, do you have to disassemble the head and pull the tube out from the top, or do you have to remove the lower motor unit and slide the tube off toward the bottom?

I need to know if I have to mess with the cable and pulley in the head or if I can work around some of that stuff.

I would appreciate it if anyone can give me a “few” pointers or instructions on how to approach this repair.

Grovelling at the feet of anyone who can help....

Jerry
rudy
Posted 4/8/2009 9:50 AM (#370957 - in reply to #370826)
Subject: RE: I need help with a Minn Kota Maxxum Shaft Repair




Posts: 131


it's not too hard of a job, really.first you need back out the foot pedal tension screw on the front of the foot pedal to allow slack in the steering cables.then you'll need to loosen the 2 allen head bolts that are located the bottom of the outer[bigger]tube.that will allow the collar to slide down on the lower[skinnier]tube.take the cover off the top of the top of the motor exposing the steering gear,ect.remove the plastic steering gear spool.unhook the stering cables making note of how they were wound on the spool.slide the outer tube down exposing 2 phillips head screws that hold the steering gear[metal] and back the screws out.sometimes the screws have loctite on them and require heat to break them free.with the gear removed you can slide the outer tube assy off and install the new tube.