Forums, Engine, Gearbox, Stern Gear, etc, Rudder Bearings

Derek at 29/10/2012 12:42:14
It seems pretty obvious for the following reasons that the one or both of the rudder bearings for ‘Wild Call’ need renewing: · As far as I can see (without removing the tiller and tiller block) there is some lateral movement (about 2mm) between the rudder stock and the bronze bearing at the top of the shaft. · The top bronze bearing turns along with the rudder stock. · Under power (only) there is steady stream of water coming into the cockpit through I think the gap between the rudder stock and the bearing – (although it could be entering between the bearing and whatever houses the bearing). I’ve studied the general arrangement drawing for the stern gear and rudder plus the helpful technical paper on rudder removal but neither of these seem to describe how the rudder bearings are fixed in place. So my questions are: 1. How are the rudder bearings ‘fixed’ to the boat and should they rotate with the rudder stock – seems unlikely as there would then in effect be another interface bearing surface. 2. Has anybody else had the same experience with water being pumped into the cockpit along the rudder stock and if so what did they do about it – if anything! The propeller is a three blade Darglow Featherstream. Any comments/answers would be most appreciated.

Blueshank at 29/10/2012 17:14:06
Hi Derek

I have just replaced the bearings on my rudder. I had the old style tufnol type but have replaced with the bronze ones that J. Rogers now sells. They are an interference fit, so should not move at all once fitted. They go into a stainless tube which is bonded to the hull and cockpit floor.

The rudder is supported by the stock on the top bronze bearing, so has quite a load on it. I would be somewhat cautious about removing this while afloat if you are not sure about the lower support as you would then be relying on it to stop your rudder disappearing.

I only purchased my co32 in March and took her out in July to do a minor refit. I have not experienced water coming up the rudder tube, but it does come up the cockpit drains when I have plenty of weight in the cockpit. This I believe is common as the cockpit floor is not far above the water line, so I wouldn’t be surprised if water came up the rudder tube if the bearings are worn and under power the stern tends to squat.

I took some pictures while removing the rudder, if you you feel they would help I could email to you.

Best wishes

Tim

Derek at 30/10/2012 18:42:21
Thanks Tim, that makes sense. I think I’ll tackle removing the rudder at the weekend (the boat is out of the water) if you are able to send a few photographs it would help. (email address: dmillward@theiet.org). I guess fitting new rudder bearings once the rudder stock is out is just then a matter of pushing them into place into the stainless steel rudder tube?

Derek

moongirl at 30/10/2012 19:28:32
Hopefully the rudder removal process edited by myself & our Moderator + my drawing on the Site will help. Might make sense to check your shaft bearing as well whilst the rudder is off.