1998 Mercury 9.9/15HP 4-stroke outboards factory service manual, Page 44Get this manual
OUTBOARD MOTOR INSTALLATION
Steering Link Rod
1Install steering link rod per illustration
aSpecial Bolt (10-90041) Torque to 20 lb-ft (27.1 Nm) b- Nylon Insert Locknut (11-34863) Torque to 20 lb-ft (27.1 Nm)Flat Washer (2) d- Nylon Insert Locknut (11-34863) Tighten Locknut Until it Seats, Then Back Nut Off 14 Turn IMPORTANT: The steering link rod that connects the steering cable to the engine must be fastened using special bolt ("a"Part Number 10-90041) and self locking nuts ("b""c"Part Number 11-34863)These locknuts must never be replaced with common nuts (non locking) as they will work loose and vibrate off, freeing the link rod to disengage