Beneteau Steering query

[Carduelis]

Last weekend the wheel steering on my Bene 36 gave a loud clonk and then felt 'odd' for a moment. I think that maybe the chain jumped a cog inside the pedestal. . .? We were hard on the wind and with quite a lot of pressure on the steering at the time.

For a short while afterwards, there was a clicking noise from inside the pedestal when the wheel was moved. Thereafter all seemed normal and even the clicking went away.

We took the compass off and had a peer inside after we got back. The chain seems in good nick and well lubricated. I couldn't detect any slack.

Any thoughts/ideas anyone? Is there a chain tensioner somewhere whcih should be tightened perhaps?

 

[dnickj]

the chain is attached to a wire which in turn attaches to the quadrant - whilst on first inspection the chain may appear ok there may be some slack on the wires - in the worst case if one jumps a pulley or the quadrant you have no steering - the adjustment will be on the joint to the quadrant

 

[dt4134]

It would be a good idea to check your quadrant.

Firstly, they're often cast Aluminuim which is quite brittle, so best check there's no damage there. Although with a bit of luck that sounds like it is not the problem.

Secondly, the steering cables are often tensioned where they connect to the quadrant. Don't over tighten them.

 

[lw395]

Not the wiring for the compass light getting dragged over the sprocket?

 

[cawarra]

Ensure that the swivel/ turning blocks at the bottom of the binnicle are free to turn as if they sieze at an obscure angle, like dnickj says, the wire can jump off and you will effectively loose steering. The ends of the cables have a thread (I think 10mm but dont quote me..its a long time ago) which attach through the quadrant with 2 nuts. Its obviously these nuts which are the cable tensioners..again..not too tight or you will damage the turning blocks.

When you check these blocks (by removing the false floor from the deck on the older ones but I stnad to be corrected on newer), see if the wires, when they come out of the turning blocks "cross" when going back to the quadrant or cross actually in side the binnicle its self (or both?). Make a note of this just in case the cable ever snaps (as has happened to me) because when you attach the new cable you need to ensure you install the same way or your wheel will the opposite way to what you expect.....trust me!!!!

All the best..

pm me if I can help more

 

[StugeronSteve]

Whilst you are delving round in the steering pedestal put a jubilee clip around the key and wheel shaft so as to make sure that the gog is locked in place. It has been known for them to come adrift. Recent boats have probably been modified.

 

[myoldsailor]

friend at the same boat, had to be towed by the coast guard, make sure you do as recommended in the above threads.

 

[Cariadco]

This happenned to me, (clunk!!!but not on a beneteau) and it was the top bearing that feel apart, allowing the rudder and it's post, to drop about 2 inches. The Quadrant gear stopped it dropping out!!!!
Boat had to be lifted out and the bearing sorted out. Been fine ever since, but I regularly check it.