1978 Johnson 55 HP Outboards Service Manual, Page 81Get this manual
DISASSEMBLY OF STERN AND SWIVEL BRACKETS aUsing #4 Truarc pliers (Special Tool #307429) remove Truarc ring from bottom of pivot and steering shaft assemblySee Figure 6-11Shaft is splined to bracket and secured with OMC Nut LockHeat spline and pivot shaft and remove mount bracket from pivot shaftSee Figures 6-12 and 6-13
NOTE On reassembly, coat spline with OMC Nut LockSee Figure 6-13bUpper and lower seals in swivel bracket should be removedUpper bushing slides outcRemove the thrust rod and retainer, and the thrust rod spring from the stern bracketRemove tilt and reverse lock linkage from stern bracketSee Figure 6-10dRemove two screws fastening port and starboard stern bracketsRemove tilt tube, nut, and washers from top of stern bracketsSee Figure 6-10Figure 6-12Heating Pivot Shaft Spline