How does a steering wheel locking nut work?

[Loch Linnhe]

The locking nut in the centre of the steering wheel on my Beneteau 411 has stopped working, and I am struggling to understand just how it works, so I can fix it, its just a knurled nut that you tighten by hand to lock the wheel, can anyone help please?

 

[Heckler]

The locking nut in the centre of the steering wheel on my Beneteau 411 has stopped working, and I am struggling to understand just how it works, so I can fix it, its just a knurled nut that you tighten by hand to lock the wheel, can anyone help please?

It pushes on a bronze band that acts as a brake shoe on the shaft. Take the nut off, then the wheel, clean with petrol or similar so that there is no lube on it and away you go.
Stu

 

[ksutton]

Thought I had a drawing that showed it but don't know where I filed it. From what I recall, when you tighten the locking wheel it applies pressure on a simple clutch disc mechanism and locks the wheel to the wheel shaft housing using a clamping action. I have been told that you can get corrosion in there that stops it clamping up property.

 

[Loch Linnhe]

That's great, thank you for your replies

 

[nigelmercier]

Take the nut off...

OK, how about this one?