Multiflex L1 Stainless Steel Universal Steering Link Arm Kit
The Multiflex LM-L-1 / L1 Universal Link Arm Kit is a stainless-steel connection kit for compatible mechanical boat steering systems. It connects the moving end of the steering cable to an outboard engine steering tiller or rudder and is supplied with permanently lubricated rod ends, a dust-wiper boot, Nylock nut and 3/8in mounting bolt. Multiflex specifies the L1 for many popular outboard engine brands and cross-references it to the Ultraflex A73SS and A74SS link arms, subject to fitment verification. Product Identification Brand: Multiflex Model / item code: L1 Manufacturer part number: LM-L-1 Product category: Mechanical steering link arm kit Alternative description: Steering cable-to-engine link arm Material: Stainless steel Primary function: Connects a mechanical steering cable to an engine or rudder Rod ends: Permanently lubricated Mounting bolt: 3/8in / approximately 9.5mm Included protection: Dust-wiper boot Included retaining hardware: Nylock nut Engine compatibility: Suitable for many popular outboard engine brands, subject to installation compatibility Steering type: Compatible mechanical cable steering systems Ultraflex cross-references: A73SS and A74SS Mild-steel alternative: Multiflex LM-L-2 / L2 Adjustable Multiflex alternative: Multiflex LM-L-4 / L4 What Is This Steering Link Arm Used For? The Multiflex LM-L-1 forms the mechanical connection between the moving end of a compatible steering cable and the steering attachment point on an outboard engine or rudder. As the steering wheel is turned: The steering helm moves the inner steering cable. The steering cable pushes or pulls the link arm. The link arm transfers the movement to the engine steering tiller or rudder. The engine or rudder moves to port or starboard. The L1 is one component within a complete mechanical steering system. It does not replace the steering helm, steering cable, tilt tube, cable support or other installation-specific steering hardware. What Is Included? This listing is for: One Multiflex LM-L-1 stainless-steel link arm Permanently lubricated rod-end connection Dust-wiper boot Nylock nut 3/8in mounting bolt Not included unless expressly stated: Mechanical steering cable Steering helm Dashboard bezel Steering wheel Engine steering tiller Engine tilt tube Clamp block Splashwell mounting kit Transom support bracket Additional washers or fasteners not identified in the kit Engine-specific adaptor A second link arm Other steering-system hardware Is the LM-L-1 Stainless Steel? Yes. The Multiflex LM-L-1 / L1 is the stainless-steel version of the universal link arm kit. LM-L-1 / L1: Stainless-steel link arm kit LM-L-2 / L2: Mild-steel link arm kit The stainless-steel grade is not stated in the available Multiflex product data. The L1 should therefore be described as stainless steel without assigning an unsupported grade such as 304 or 316. Which Applications Are Suitable? The Multiflex LM-L-1 is intended for correctly specified mechanical steering installations including: Compatible outboard engine steering Compatible rudder steering systems Tilt-tube mechanical steering systems requiring a link arm New mechanical steering installations Replacement of a compatible steering link arm Installations using a 3/8in engine or rudder mounting connection Steering arrangements matching the L1 arm geometry Applications requiring a stainless-steel steering connection component Which Outboard Engines Are Compatible? Multiflex states that the L1 suits most popular brands of outboard engines, but it does not publish a model-by-model engine compatibility list. Compatibility must be confirmed by checking: Outboard manufacturer Engine model Engine production year Steering tiller or link-arm mounting point Required link-arm geometry Engine-side mounting-hole diameter Steering cable output-end connection Tilt-tube arrangement Clearance throughout the steering range Clearance throughout the engine tilt range The phrase “suits most popular brands” should not be interpreted as guaranteed compatibility with every outboard engine. Is the LM-L-1 a Universal Link Arm? The L1 is a universal-style link arm because it is intended for a range of compatible mechanical steering systems and commonly used outboard engines. “Universal” does not mean that: It fits every engine without checking Every engine uses the same mounting position Every steering tiller accepts a 3/8in bolt The arm geometry suits every transom arrangement No engine-specific adaptor is required Steering and tilt clearances can be assumed Every steering cable has the same engine-end fitting Is the LM-L-1 Fixed or Adjustable? The current Multiflex L1 product data do not publish an overall length or an adjustment range. Manufacturer imagery shows a formed stainless-steel arm with a threaded rod-end connection, but Multiflex does not describe the L1 as its adjustable link-arm model. A separate Multiflex L4 / LM-L-4 is specifically marketed as an adjustable stainless-steel link arm. The L1 should therefore be listed as the standard stainless-steel link arm kit without assigning an unsupported adjustment range. Do not add: A minimum overall length A maximum overall length A telescopic adjustment range A specific centring adjustment measurement unless these dimensions have been confirmed from a current Multiflex drawing or the physical product. Which Steering Cables Are Compatible? The available Multiflex L1 product data do not identify one specific Multiflex steering cable model. The L1 is intended for a compatible mechanical steering cable with an engine-side output end that matches the link-arm connection. Before installation, confirm: Steering cable manufacturer Steering cable model Cable output-end design Cable travel Cable-end mounting hole Link-arm attachment hardware Required movement at full steering lock Minimum steering-cable bend radius Cable condition Engine or rudder connection geometry A steering cable should not be listed as directly compatible solely because it is described as a universal mechanical cable. Which Ultraflex Link Arms Cross-Reference to the L1? Multiflex cross-references the L1 to: Ultraflex A73SS Ultraflex A74SS Multiflex states that these cross-references are provided for guidance and that interchangeability must be confirmed before installation. Ultraflex identifies the applications as: A73SS: Stainless-steel link arm for some Mercury outboard engines A74SS: Stainless-steel link arm for some Johnson, Evinrude and BRP outboard engines The engine-specific applications differ, so the cross-reference does not mean that one connection geometry fits every listed engine. Is the L1 a Direct Replacement for A73SS and A74SS? The L1 is listed by Multiflex as compatible with the Ultraflex A73SS and A74SS references, but this should be treated as a selection guide rather than automatic confirmation of direct fitment. Before replacing either Ultraflex arm, compare: Engine make and model Steering cable connection Engine-side mounting position Arm geometry Mounting-bolt diameter Threaded rod-end position Steering travel Engine tilt clearance Full-lock clearance Does the Link Arm Connect to the Steering Helm? No. The LM-L-1 is installed at the engine or rudder end of the steering system. A typical mechanical steering arrangement consists of: Steering wheel Dashboard steering helm Mechanical steering cable LM-L-1 link arm Outboard steering tiller or rudder connection The L1 does not connect directly to the steering wheel or dashboard-mounted steering helm. What Does the 3/8in Mounting Bolt Connect To? The kit includes a 3/8in mounting bolt, equivalent to approximately 9.5mm in diameter. The bolt is used as part of the engine-side or rudder-side link-arm connection, subject to the design of the steering attachment point. Before fitting the bolt: Confirm that the mounting hole accepts a 3/8in fastener Confirm that the supplied bolt length suits the connection Ensure the link arm can articulate freely Ensure the Nylock nut fully engages the bolt thread Do not tighten the joint to the point that steering movement is restricted Follow the engine and steering-system installation instructions What Are Permanently Lubricated Rod Ends? Multiflex describes the L1 rod ends as permanently lubricated. They provide the articulated connection required as the steering cable and engine or rudder move through the steering range. The rod ends are designed to: Transfer steering movement Accommodate changing connection angles Support smooth articulation Reduce friction at the linkage Reduce routine lubrication requirements “Permanently lubricated” does not mean that the linkage requires no inspection. The rod ends should still be checked for corrosion, looseness, damage, restricted movement and excessive free play. What Does the Dust-Wiper Boot Do? The included dust-wiper boot is fitted around the exposed cable and linkage connection area. It is intended to help shield the connection from: Dirt Dust Salt deposits Spray Other contaminants The boot should be checked for splitting, hardening, displacement, abrasion, loose fitment or other material deterioration. Is the LM-L-1 Suitable for Marine Use? The L1 is manufactured from stainless steel and is listed by Multiflex as a mechanical marine steering accessory for connecting a steering cable to an outboard engine or rudder. For exposed marine installations: Inspect the arm and rod ends regularly Remove salt deposits where practical Check that the articulated connections remain free Check the Nylock nut and mounting bolt Inspect the dust-wiper boot Replace components showing deformation, cracking or excessive wear Do not allow protective products to restrict the rod-end movement The stainless-steel grade and any formal corrosion-test standard are not stated in the available product data. How Does the LM-L-1 Differ From the LM-L-2? The principal stated difference is the arm material. Multiflex LM-L-1 / L1 Stainless-steel construction Permanently lubricated rod ends Dust-wiper boot included Nylock nut included 3/8in mounting bolt included Intended for compatible engine or rudder steering connections Multiflex LM-L-2 / L2 Mild-steel construction Permanently lubricated rod ends Dust-wiper boot included Nylock nut included 3/8in mounting bolt included Intended for compatible engine or rudder steering connections Select the L1 where the stainless-steel Multiflex version is required. Select the L2 where the corresponding mild-steel version is specified. The available product information does not provide separate load ratings for the two materials. Is This a Complete Steering System? No. The LM-L-1 is an engine or rudder connection kit only. A complete mechanical steering system may also require: Steering wheel Steering helm Dashboard bezel Correctly measured steering cable Engine tilt tube or steering-cable support Clamp block or splashwell mounting kit Engine-specific attachment hardware Suitable steering and transom clearances Every component must be compatible with the boat, engine and complete steering-system installation. Construction and Design Multiflex universal steering link arm kit Model L1 Manufacturer reference LM-L-1 Stainless-steel construction Connects a mechanical steering cable to an engine or rudder Permanently lubricated rod ends Articulated steering connection Threaded rod-end section shown in manufacturer imagery Dust-wiper boot included Nylock nut included 3/8in / approximately 9.5mm mounting bolt included Suitable for many popular outboard engine brands, subject to fitment Cross-referenced to Ultraflex A73SS and A74SS Intended for mechanical steering systems No hydraulic components No electrical components Stainless-steel grade not stated Overall arm length not stated Adjustment range not stated Maximum steering load not stated Model-specific engine compatibility list not published Installation and Safety Before installing the Multiflex LM-L-1: Confirm that the product is the stainless-steel LM-L-1 / L1 Confirm that the L1 arm geometry suits the installation Check compatibility with the steering cable output end Check compatibility with the engine or rudder mounting point Confirm that the 3/8in bolt suits the mounting hole Inspect the arm, rod ends, boot, nut and bolt before installation Ensure the link arm is installed in the correct orientation Fit the dust-wiper boot in the correct position Ensure the Nylock nut fully engages the bolt thread Follow the current engine and steering-system tightening instructions Do not overtighten an articulated joint Confirm that the rod ends move freely Turn the steering fully from port to starboard Check clearance at both full steering locks Tilt the outboard fully upward and downward Repeat the steering-clearance check throughout the engine tilt range Ensure the arm does not contact the transom, splashwell or engine Confirm that the steering cable is not kinked, crushed or overextended Check that all fasteners remain secure after the initial steering test Inspect the complete linkage regularly Replace worn rod ends, damaged boots or deformed components Do not operate the boat if the linkage binds or has excessive free movement Marine steering is a safety-critical system. Installation and adjustment should be completed according to the current Multiflex, steering-cable and engine instructions by a competent marine technician. Key Features Multiflex LM-L-1 universal steering link arm kit Model L1 Stainless-steel construction Connects a steering cable to an outboard engine or rudder Suitable for compatible mechanical steering systems Designed to suit many popular outboard engine brands Permanently lubricated rod ends Dust-wiper boot included Nylock nut included 3/8in / approximately 9.5mm mounting bolt included Articulated connection supports steering movement Multiflex cross-reference for Ultraflex A73SS Multiflex cross-reference for Ultraflex A74SS Cross-references must be verified before installation Steering cable supplied separately Steering helm supplied separately Steering wheel supplied separately Engine-specific mounting hardware supplied separately unless stated Stainless-steel grade not published Exact overall length not published Adjustment range not published Maximum steering load not published LM-L-2 / L2 is the corresponding mild-steel version LM-L-4 / L4 is the separately identified adjustable version Specification L1 / LM-L-1 Brand Multiflex Model / Item Code L1 Manufacturer Part Number LM-L-1 Product Category Mechanical Steering Link Arm Kit Alternative Description Steering Cable-to-Engine Link Arm Material Stainless Steel Stainless-Steel Grade Not Stated Primary Function Connects a Mechanical Steering Cable to an Engine or Rudder Steering Type Compatible Mechanical Cable Steering Systems Outboard Application Compatible Outboard Engine Steering Installations Rudder Application Compatible Rudder Steering Installations Engine Compatibility Most Popular Outboard Brands, Subject to Model and Installation Compatibility Model-Specific Engine List Not Published Specific Steering Cable Family Not Stated; Confirm Cable-End Compatibility Rod Ends Permanently Lubricated Threaded Rod-End Section Shown in Manufacturer Imagery Dust-Wiper Boot Included Nylock Nut Included Mounting Bolt Included Mounting-Bolt Diameter 3/8in / Approximately 9.5mm Additional Washers Not Itemised in the Available Product Data Overall Arm Length Not Stated by Multiflex Published Adjustment Range Not Stated Adjustable Model Designation L4 / LM-L-4 Is the Separately Marketed Adjustable Version Ultraflex Cross-Reference 1 A73SS A73SS Application Some Mercury Outboard Engines Ultraflex Cross-Reference 2 A74SS A74SS Application Some Johnson, Evinrude and BRP Outboard Engines Cross-Reference Status Reference Only; Confirm Interchangeability Before Installation Steering Cable Included No Steering Helm Included No Steering Wheel Included No Clamp Block Included No Engine-Specific Adaptor Included Not Identified as Included Hydraulic Steering Component No Electrical Components None Maximum Steering Load Not Stated Mild-Steel Alternative Multiflex LM-L-2 / L2 Adjustable Alternative Multiflex LM-L-4 / L4 Direct-Fit Confirmation Confirm Cable End, Arm Geometry, 3/8in Mounting Point and Steering Clearance Before Installation