Pearson Yachts Forum

Pearson Boats - Common Systems => Steering System, Hull Structure => Topic started by: selene on March 21, 2017, 03:49:52 PM

Title: Rudder Bearing
Post by: selene on March 21, 2017, 03:49:52 PM

I was thinking...do we ever need to lube the rudder bearing?  It is not easily accessible. Things seem to be working fine, but a friend with a Bavaria 40 has recently had to re-lube his as his steering was getting stiff, which got me to wondering.  It is one part of Selene I have not yet poked around.

Like I said, just wondering.

Title: Re: Rudder Bearing
Post by: Rusty Pelican on March 22, 2017, 09:12:41 AM

If your steering is stiff, most likely it's the inside the binnacle.
The steering wheel is attached to a rod, lube where it enters the binnacle and the inside bushings
The rudder bearing is really a stuffing box just like the drive shaft box.
If that doesn't do it, check the pulleys & blocks.
If that doesn't do it try backing off the rudder stuffing box; but not so much that it leaks.