TOPIC: Rebuilding Merc outboard shocks

Anyone ever try to rebuild them? I have an extra pair I would like to refurb and switch out the ones on my boat which make it SUPER hard to tilt the motor up once in the slip. Would it even help if I went through all the trouble?
-Brian

I have lots of good used shocks.
Before spending money though, try and remove your shocks.
You might find that the problem is actually that one end of one or both shocks are seized from rust on the threaded steel shafts they slide on to.
The other issue that can cause a tough tilt up is if the tilt tube is seized either in the swivel housing or one or both of the transom clamps.
Check this by loosening the large nuts at each end of the tilt tube, and then see if the tilt tube will freely rotate through the swivel housing & both transom clamps.
You can also determine if the issue is the tilt tube by removing both shacks and then attempting to tilt the motor.
If it tilts with ease - it's the rust at the shocks.
If it still is difficult to tilt with the shocks removed - it's the tilt tube.
If you need help removing the shocks or freeing up the tilt tube - just post and we'll help you through those processes.
doc F
If you end up needing a set of shocks, please send my a PM

Thanks Doc! It's definitely the tilt tube.