Rudder bushes- material

[mogmog2]

The photo shows the top of our rudder assembly.
Most rudder bushes that I've seen online are white.
Could this black ring be a seal rather than the top flange of the bush?
I've tentatively tried prising it up but it didn't want to come.

If it is the bush, any idea of material if the colour means anything?
Thanks

 

[colhel]

I can't see the picture but the colour won't tell you anything. We use black and white acetal/delrin

 

[Neil_Y]

Looks a bit like it could be a seal?

Polyacetal/delrin comes in white or black.
Delrin is OK for most low load rudder bearings but it does creep or distort under pressure when hot and expands quite a bit with heat, so new bearings need to be made with a clearance to allow for this. Otherwise friction and heat then causes more heat and more friction as it expands.

 

[mogmog2]

Thanks, that helps indicate that it is not a seal.
I need to increase the force substantially and a bit concerned that there might be something concealed in there. As I understand it, the Centaur doesn't have anything else, but I've used more force than any documented account of removal. Next step is to try wedges between the rudder & hull and if that fails, fabricate some sort of puller

I was wondering about trying to get a fluid with a low surface tension down there to possibly lubricate a bit

 

[RichardS]

Indeed, that does look like a lip seal, and it would not be a surprise to find one at the top of the stern tube. However, if it's a seal then it should be obvious by prodding it with a small screwdriver. The rubber lip of a seal, and even the skin around the seal, is much softer than anything that a bearing would be made of.

The only odd thing is that seals are usually fitted at least flush in the seal socket and your own seems to be standing well proud which does not seem right.

Richard

 

[coopec]

Mogmog

Did you read these?
Westerly centaur rudder bearings
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?489559-Westerly-centaur-rudder-bearings&

Centaur Rudder Bearings - Westerly Owners Association
https://www.westerly-owners.co.uk/woaforum/viewtopic.php?t=2090

Westerly Sailing Yacht Rudder Bearings In Acetal For Renown ... - eBay
https://www.ebay.co.uk[/url] › Sporting Goods › Sailing › Accessories & Equipment
Unlike nylon bearings, these will not swell in wet conditions. ... Details about Westerly Sailing Yacht Rudder Bearings In Acetal For Renown, Centaur, Fulmar Etc.



Clive