AdrianPetts
Member
Have any of you Bavaria owners out there had problems with you rudder becoming very stiff and difficult to turn. I am especially interested in the Bav 36 or other models with similar rudders. What were the solutions?
Bavaria rudders
- Thread starter AdrianPetts
- Start date
FullCircle
Well-Known Member
Welcome.... but multiple posting the same thing across forums is considered a bit of bad form. Hope you get the rudder sorted.....
Cheers
Jim
Cheers
Jim
DickB
Well-Known Member
This is caused by corrosion on the bearing surface usually as a result of galvanic action. I had this some years back and had to have a new rudder (£2800 parts cost) and in my case the lower bearing had to be replaced as well. As it happens the upper bearing was also replaced.
I suggest a very carefull look at the (dur) aluminium rudder stock. The best way is to drop the rudder by about 1cm. The bit that corrodes worst is the top of the rudder where the stock protrudes. Corrosion there weakens the rudder at the point it needs to be strongest. You just might be able to see the join if you loosen the big nut on the top by a few threads, and shine a torch through. At best it might be just grit between the two surfeaces. Dont put any oil down the bearing as this acts like a glue for the grit and you can never wash it out. It is self lubricating nylon (or something like).
Use a galvanic isolator to minimise the effrect and dont keep the power plugged in all the time. That appears to be the worst culprit.
Good luck
I suggest a very carefull look at the (dur) aluminium rudder stock. The best way is to drop the rudder by about 1cm. The bit that corrodes worst is the top of the rudder where the stock protrudes. Corrosion there weakens the rudder at the point it needs to be strongest. You just might be able to see the join if you loosen the big nut on the top by a few threads, and shine a torch through. At best it might be just grit between the two surfeaces. Dont put any oil down the bearing as this acts like a glue for the grit and you can never wash it out. It is self lubricating nylon (or something like).
Use a galvanic isolator to minimise the effrect and dont keep the power plugged in all the time. That appears to be the worst culprit.
Good luck
