Noisy Autohelm st6000

[kencoley]

I have a st6000+ linear mechanical drive unit which has become fairly noisy when not on Auto. it seems a bit stiff too, does anyone know if you can self service them or is it an expensive raymarine job?

Thanks

 

[pvb]

DIY service...

People do take them apart themselves; all depends on your level of DIY confidence. If you decide to try, be sure to dismantle it on a surface which will catch the little ball bearings in the leadscrew mechanism. It might just need lubricating. Reassembling the balls in the leadscrew is said to be a challenging process, but sticky grease apparently helps! I hasten to add that I haven't a clue what's involved because my linear drive still works well - however if it did need attention I'd have a go myself before asking Raymarine.

 

[hightech]

Re: DIY service...

DO NOT DiSMANTLE THE DRIVE ARM AND LET THE BALLS OUT!

If the arm is going in and out, then a small amount of fresh lubricant (grease) will ease that up no end, but only a tiny amount of grease to much will make things much worse!

In general if it is getting stiff and noisy then it is the gearbox end that is the cause. The bearing and or the gears wear badly and cuse stiction, they used to do a service kit, so you might be able to get hold of one of these.

I would not open the fron (ram end) at all and concentrate on the back end. If you strip off the gearbox and have the end of the drive shaft poking out and see how the ram then feels if it moves in and out freely then leave it alone.

Then have a go at the gearbox.

Just in case any body feels like contradicting me on the above, do not bother, I do know what I am talking about as I was the service manager there for 17 years!

Hightech.

 

[Richard10002]

Re: DIY service...

[ QUOTE ]

In general if it is getting stiff and noisy then it is the gearbox end that is the cause. The bearing and or the gears wear badly and cuse stiction, they used to do a service kit, so you might be able to get hold of one of these.



[/ QUOTE ]

Our drive Type 2S gave up with a grinding sound in the middle of Biscay. Took the gearbox end apart and found the centre splined spindle was worn.

Got a Heavy Duty Drive Gear Kit from a Raymarine distributor in Lisbon, (ordered Monday 4pm off Finisterre, delivered Bayona this morning, Thursday).

I'm about to open up the gearbox and see if I can fit the spline, and replace the brass gears....

Wish Me Luck!

Richard

 

[Richard10002]

Re: DIY service...

Fitted and seems to be working, although only tested alongside so far. Fairly straightforward job, and probably the reason the auto gave up under stress.

We shall see!

 

[BrendanChandler]

Re: DIY service...

I have a similar problem and wonder
1) Is there a diagram of the inside of the ram available anywhere on-line?
2) are service kits still available?

Brendan