Steering shaft leak

[Trey5684]

I have a leak in the bilge and have been told by marina tech that it's the transom steering shaft. Also told both eng and outdrive have to be removed to fix. Anyone with similar issue and what we're you told?
Thanks all, I know it's a boat, break out another thousand

[jparsons121]

Yes and no.
Proper way to do it does involve removing engine and drive.
There is also the option dubbed the JR Marine method. This involves cutting an hole in the transom assy (right where the decal is on the upper housing) to gain access. To the pin, seal and nut. Then a plate is screwed on with sealant to repair the hole. See Instructions

The JR method is definitely cheaper, but I favor the traditional approach of pulling engine/drive, as cutting into the drive gives me the willies.

[mmwjr]

Besides the JR system Mercruiser also has a kit but the process is harder to perform and requires the use of a punch to strike the steering nut to loosen and tighten it. It has threaded plugs to seal the two holes that must be drilled as opposed to the JR which has a plate screws and sealer.