Difference between revisions of "Rudder Bearing Replacement"
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This is what the rudder tube looks like. It is in two parts- the top section screws onto the tube. The lower flange is integral. | This is what the rudder tube looks like. It is in two parts- the top section screws onto the tube. The lower flange is integral. | ||
− | Under the quadrant four bolts hold a square cover plate in place. Remove bolts, remove cover plate. Then unscrew the main square top plate fitting | + | Under the quadrant four bolts hold a square cover plate in place. Remove bolts, remove cover plate. Then unscrew the main square top plate fitting. Shaft seal sits in recess in top of main square top plate. |
[[File:Rudder tube.jpg|500px|center|Rudder Tube can be removed]] | [[File:Rudder tube.jpg|500px|center|Rudder Tube can be removed]] |
Revision as of 19:19, 12 October 2018
The rudder had worn bearings and needed replacing as the rudder was in contact with the skeg behind it on one side.
To lower the rudder on W33/Discus you do need to dig a hole. In my case hole was 30cmdeep with boat on blocks of 20cm
Support rudder with ropes, remove quadrant and tap out rudder support bolt. Wiggle rudder from side to side and gently lower into hole.
I had to remove the rudder tube because I needed to rebed it to stop minor seepage
This is what the rudder tube looks like. It is in two parts- the top section screws onto the tube. The lower flange is integral.
Under the quadrant four bolts hold a square cover plate in place. Remove bolts, remove cover plate. Then unscrew the main square top plate fitting. Shaft seal sits in recess in top of main square top plate.
Outside there are four bolts to remove. The lower bearing must be prized out before the two bolts close to the hull can be removed.
New bearings and shaft seal needed.
From the left: Tool to unscrew square top plate, Old shaft seal (compression spring completely gone), new shaft seal, new lower bearing, old lower bearing (note two notches for bolt heads)
Top bearing in tube was hardly worn
This is the surface that has to be sealed. There are 5 M8 bolts (replace these) and the main tube shaft to seal. Note bolt holes countersunk slightly to assist mastic seal.
After much discussion decided to use arbomast bv a butyl rubber based mastic.
Finally realign bolts and rudder tube. Arawa used self amalgamating tape to seal holes. Here rudder is inside tube as it is fitted I plan to fit tube first.
Rudder ready to lift
Don't forget to antifoul behind rudder before replacing it.