greasing rudders

[grafozz]

can anyone tell me what type of grease nipple to fit to my rudder tubes, which are made from grp . I am unsure of tube wall thickness so would need a longish threaded nipple ?
I generally drop the rudders to grease the shafts but am thinking they would get better distribution of grease if injected with a grease gun ? thanks , graham

 

[Neil_Y]

What type of bearings are in the tube?

 

[dt4134]

Often greasing a rudder shaft is counter productive. Look very carefully into whether it is suitable for yours. Previous owner of my boat went in for greasing when the lower bearing was designed to be water lubricated. Had to drop the rudder to sort it out.

 

[Bilgediver]

can anyone tell me what type of grease nipple to fit to my rudder tubes, which are made from grp . I am unsure of tube wall thickness so would need a longish threaded nipple ?
I generally drop the rudders to grease the shafts but am thinking they would get better distribution of grease if injected with a grease gun ? thanks , graham

Many of the synthetic bushes in rudder shafts are intended for water lubrication. What bushes do you have?

 

[grafozz]

bushes ?

No bushes at all ,the rudder stock is 42mm stainless bar fitted into solid GRP tubes which are 650 mm long . the tubes are packed with grease every 2/3 years by stuffing it in by hand , this is tricky as when the stocks are re - fitted they push the grease out !
My idea is to fit greasing nipples to feed it into the tubes more evenly and more easily .
There is a little wear in the tubes which allows a certain amount of grease in .