yamaha bravo steer column snapped.. looking for information

[wh33ls]

hi

my bravo steering column snapped near the bottom and inside the area where the relay rods connect for the steering column to move the skies.... so I can't weld it in place

could someone roughly explain how I would get the steering column out?

there's 4 bolts holding 2 bearing clamps in place but these bolts have odd washers on them, bent to prevent to bolt from working it's way out... it's tough to get at with everything in place

I was just curious the best route for me to go so I can weld the rod back together and or replace it with a spare

greatly appreciated for anyone's opinion and ty for taking the time to read

ty in advance

 

[Lil' Mtndreamer]

Use a flat head screw driver and a hammer to bend them out. Hoped this helped!

 

[wh33ls]

ty.. I will try

 

[NorthofSixty]

I just bend them far enough to get a socket on the nut. If they are bent all the way they tend to break off when reinstalled.

 

[snomofo]

As mentioned, the tabs of the washer have to be flattened enough to access the nut with a socket/wrench. Of course the location makes that difficult. Maybe the use of a long pry bar or socket extension and hammer to flatten the washer away from the nut.

Otherwise, they're real accessible with the engine out or maybe just enough with the carb and such out of the way.

 

[wh33ls]

it looks like the motor has to come out for this, hopefully that isn't to difficult
ty for your comments