Multiflex L2 Mild Steel Universal Steering Link Arm Kit

The Multiflex LM-L-2 / L2 Universal Link Arm Kit is a fixed-length mild-steel connection arm 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 link arm for many popular outboard engine brands, subject to the geometry and mounting requirements of the individual engine and steering system.

Product Identification

• Brand: Multiflex
• Model: L2
• Manufacturer part number: LM-L-2
• Product category: Mechanical steering link arm kit
• Alternative description: Steering cable-to-engine link arm
• Material: Mild steel
• Arm configuration: Fixed length
• Primary function: Connects the mechanical steering cable to the engine or rudder
• Rod ends: Permanently lubricated
• Engine mounting bolt: 3/8in / approximately 9.5mm
• Included protection: Dust-wiper boot
• Engine compatibility: Suitable for many popular outboard engine brands, subject to installation compatibility
• Steering type: Compatible mechanical cable steering systems
• Stainless-steel alternative: Multiflex LM-L-1 / L1
• Adjustable alternative: Multiflex LM-L-7 / L7

What Is This Steering Link Arm Used For?

The Multiflex LM-L-2 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:

1. The steering helm moves the inner steering cable.
2. The steering cable pushes or pulls the link arm.
3. The link arm transfers that movement to the engine steering tiller or rudder.
4. The engine or rudder moves to port or starboard.

The link arm is one component within the complete mechanical steering system. It does not replace the steering helm, steering cable, engine tilt tube or other installation-specific mounting components.

What Is Included?

This listing is for:

• One Multiflex LM-L-2 fixed-length mild-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
• A second link arm
• Engine-specific adaptor
• Other steering-system hardware

Is the LM-L-2 Stainless Steel or Mild Steel?

The Multiflex LM-L-2 is the mild-steel version.

• LM-L-2 / L2: Mild-steel fixed link arm
• LM-L-1 / L1: Stainless-steel fixed link arm

The LM-L-1 should be selected where the stainless-steel Multiflex version is required. 

Which Applications Are Suitable?

The Multiflex LM-L-2 is intended for correctly specified mechanical steering installations including:

• Compatible outboard engine steering
• Compatible rudder steering installations
• Tilt-tube mechanical steering systems requiring a link arm
• New mechanical steering installations
• Replacement of a compatible fixed-length link arm
• Steering systems using a 3/8in engine or rudder mounting connection
• Installations where the arm length and mounting geometry match

The LM-L-2 is not a hydraulic steering tie bar, hydraulic cylinder rod or engine-control cable linkage.

Which Outboard Engines Are Compatible?

Multiflex states that the link arm suits most popular brands of outboard engines, but the available product data do not provide a model-by-model compatibility list.

Compatibility must be confirmed by checking:

• Outboard manufacturer
• Engine model
• Engine production year
• Steering tiller or link-arm mounting point
• Required arm length
• Engine-side bolt diameter
• Steering cable attachment
• 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-2 a Universal Link Arm?

The LM-L-2 is described as a universal-style steering link arm because it is intended for use with a range of common outboard engines and compatible mechanical steering systems.

“Universal” does not mean that:

• The arm fits every outboard engine
• The mounting geometry is identical on every engine
• The 3/8in bolt suits every steering tiller
• The arm length suits every transom arrangement
• No additional bracket or adaptor is required
• Steering and tilt clearances can be assumed

Is the LM-L-2 Fixed or Adjustable?

The LM-L-2 is a fixed-length link arm.

It does not provide a telescopic or threaded overall-length adjustment. The exact overall length is not stated in the supplied product information and should be confirmed from the physical product or current technical drawing where it is critical to the installation.

The Multiflex L7 / LM-L-7 is a separate adjustable link-arm model. Do not describe the LM-L-2 as adjustable.

Which Steering Cables Are Compatible?

The available LM-L-2 product data do not identify a specific Multiflex steering cable family or an exact SeaStar, Teleflex or Ultraflex cable part number.

The link arm is intended for a compatible mechanical steering cable with an engine-side connection that matches the LM-L-2 rod-end arrangement.

Before installation, confirm:

• Steering cable manufacturer and model
• Cable output-end design
• Steering cable travel
• Cable-end mounting hole
• Link-arm attachment bolt
• Engine or rudder connection
• Required movement at full steering lock
• Minimum steering-cable bend radius
• Cable condition and corrosion

Does the Link Arm Connect to the Steering Helm?

No. The LM-L-2 is installed at the engine or rudder end of the steering system.

The normal mechanical steering arrangement is:

• Steering wheel
• Steering helm
• Mechanical steering cable
• LM-L-2 link arm
• Outboard steering tiller or rudder connection

The LM-L-2 does not connect directly to the steering wheel or dashboard 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.

This 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 is suitable for a 3/8in fastener
• Confirm that the bolt length suits the connection
• Check that the arm can articulate freely
• Ensure the Nylock nut fully engages the thread
• Do not overtighten the joint to the point that movement is restricted
• Follow the engine and steering-system torque requirements

What Are Permanently Lubricated Rod Ends?

The LM-L-2 uses rod ends described by Multiflex as permanently lubricated. These provide the articulated connection required as the engine or rudder moves through the steering range.

The rod ends are intended to:

• Transfer steering movement
• Accommodate the changing connection angle
• Reduce friction at the linkage
• Support smooth steering operation
• Reduce routine lubrication requirements

“Permanently lubricated” should not be interpreted as meaning that the complete steering linkage requires no inspection. Rod ends must still be checked for corrosion, damage, looseness and excessive free movement.

What Does the Dust-Wiper Boot Do?

The supplied dust-wiper boot covers the exposed steering cable and linkage area.

Its purpose is to help limit the entry of:

• Dirt
• Dust
• Salt deposits
• Spray
• Other contaminants

The boot must be fitted correctly and inspected for splitting, hardening, displacement or other damage.

Is the LM-L-2 Suitable for Saltwater Use?

The LM-L-2 is manufactured from mild steel rather than stainless steel.

For saltwater or exposed marine installations:

• Inspect the arm regularly for corrosion
• Maintain any protective surface finish
• Rinse salt deposits away where practical
• Check the rod ends and mounting fasteners
• Replace the arm if corrosion reduces its section or affects movement
• Do not coat the articulated joint in a way that prevents free movement

Where stainless-steel construction is specifically required, use the correctly specified Multiflex LM-L-1 / L1.

Is This a Complete Steering System?

No. The LM-L-2 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 cable support
• Clamp block or splashwell mounting kit
• Link arm
• Engine-specific attachment hardware
• Suitable transom and steering clearances

Construction and Design

• Multiflex fixed-length steering link arm
• Model L2
• Manufacturer part number LM-L-2
• Mild-steel construction
• Connects a mechanical steering cable to an engine or rudder
• Permanently lubricated rod ends
• Articulated connection for steering movement
• Dust-wiper boot included
• Nylock nut included
• 3/8in / approximately 9.5mm mounting bolt included
• Intended for compatible popular outboard engine brands
• Fixed rather than adjustable construction
• No hydraulic components
• No electrical components
• Stainless-steel grade not applicable
• Exact overall length not stated
• Maximum steering load not stated
• Engine-specific compatibility list not stated

Installation and Safety

Before installing the Multiflex LM-L-2:

• Confirm that a fixed-length link arm is suitable
• Check compatibility with the steering cable
• Check compatibility with the engine or rudder mounting point
• Confirm that the 3/8in bolt suits the mounting hole
• Inspect all supplied components before installation
• Ensure the link arm is correctly oriented
• Fit the dust-wiper boot in the correct position
• Fully engage the Nylock nut
• Tighten the connection according to the steering and engine instructions
• Do not overtighten articulated joints
• Confirm that the link arm moves freely without binding
• 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
• Confirm that 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 test
• Inspect the mild-steel arm regularly for corrosion
• Replace worn rod ends, damaged boots or corroded 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-2 steering link arm kit
• Model L2
  
• Fixed-length 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
• Steering cable supplied separately
• Steering helm supplied separately
• Engine-specific mounting parts supplied separately unless stated
• Exact overall length not published in the supplied data
• No model-by-model engine compatibility list provided
• Not adjustable
• Not a hydraulic steering component
• LM-L-1 / L1 is the stainless-steel alternative
• LM-L-7 / L7 is the separate adjustable alternative