Rudder bottom bearing

[Sabre27Admin]

Castoffs
France
30 Posts

Posted - 21/09/2016 : 23:31:16 Castoffs's Homepage Edit Topic Reply with Quote View user's IP address Delete Topic
Our bottom rudder bearing is looking and feeling a bit dry (fin). Do we have to drop the heal of the skeg to grease this or is there an easier way?
Thanks
Peter
sabre27
178 Posts

Posted - 22/09/2016 : 19:54:14
The bottom ' bearing ' (and the rudder tube) is manufactured from 'Tufnol' and requires no more lubrication than the water the boat floats in. After many years service some 'play' will develop and a new bearing will have to be manufactured to suit. Tufnol is not so easy to find these days and some marine engineers may use a plastic alternative which will be OK.

It is wise not to allow the bottom bearing to wear to excess as this will be transferred to the upper section of rudder tube and the subsequent 'flip flopping' of the tiller can be irritating.

Paul Howard. S27OA Technical Officer.

Castoffs
France
30 Posts

Posted - 22/09/2016 : 22:26:56 Castoffs's Homepage Edit Reply Reply with Quote View user's IP address Delete Reply
Thanks Paul. This one is exuding what appears to be rust, or is it just a build up of dust and dirt? There's no play whatsoever top or bottom but it's starting to stiffen up. It cleaned up easily and freed up somewhat with a little spray grease (which. I hope won't do it any harm).
Maybe an enforced long period out of the water (personal accident rather than neglect) has caused it to dry out? We've had a few other issues due to that and under use. Anyway she's back in the water for a while now so we'll see what happens. Annual hols and a few weeks afloat are ahead.