hyd. steering help

[BillPutney]

okay guys I have just finished trying to get the shaft out of the tilt tube.I've gotten everything off both ends of the shaft soaked it and heated it .I put the lock nuts on both ends and hammered away with a 4# hammer that we use on the tractor occasionally , Nothing moves , only crushing the lok nut ends.Local Suzuki dealer says I need to replace the tilt tube , but obviously the shaft has to come out first.$64.00 for the tilt tube and none on the East coast,he located some in CA.$ 80.00/hr. for them to try and remove it and no idea as to how successfull the attempt might be.Any suggestions other than biting the bullet and saying FIX IT!!

[Caymanboy]

depending on how mechanically inclind you are, first of all, the zirc fitting greases only the pivot point, has nothing to do with the steering arm or tube, do you need to replace the tube? Take a wire tube brush and clean out the tube, if you need to replace the tube, cut it half in the middle, us a cut off wheel, cut a section out then bang it out from the inside out, when putting it all back together use yamaha marine grease, on the aluminum elbos to to the stainless rod use Tef Gel, going to need alot of heat, just keep the transom protected, wet rag, keep the heat centralized, use a acetalyn torch, not a can, be carefull, heat the bracket, not the tube or rod.Also use a good freeing lubricant like blaster or something, orrrrr open up the check book!!!!