Screaching winches

[MoodySabre]

I've got Lewmar 30ST sheet winches (1988 style). They work just fine but when they get loaded up they screach. They are greased OK - anyone know what bits need replacing (rollers?) or is it just a need of more grease?

 

[sarabande]

do you mean the winches 'squeal' when they are being turned under load (the sort of sound that bare metal bearings make), or is it the sound of the pawls ?

The barrel of bigger winches can be a bit like a bell with its own natural resonant frequency. If that is what is ringing, then some sikalflex blobs carefully placed on the inside will dampen the ring.

 

[richardbrennan]

I have had the same problem with ST40s. I would try a complete stip down to remove all the old grease and salt deposits and then re-greasing. You could also try calling Lewmar; I have always found them very helpful.

 

[Wunja]

Are you sure its mechanical? I get that sometimes, its the sheets slipping on the winch body. Maybe the ST gripper thing isn't.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

If its a metal on metal sound, a careful visual inspection of the needle bearings would only take a few mins and might be a wise precaution.

 

[MoodySabre]

It's a squeal as described by Sarabande. Only when really loaded up.

 

[ditchcrawler]

My ST30s did that Roger.I stripped them down to find that they had too much grease on them.I washed the spindles and bearings in parafin and regreased with a thin layer.The pawls had also been greased which is incorrect and they were sticking.I applied light machine oil and all was fine.(I have since upgraded to ST40s and they are brilliant).Sold the 30s on the PBO website.

 

[Piddy]

I had the same problem with just one of ours - Cliff Moggeridge of winch servicing recommended stripping the winches completely - including the inner rotating shaft and relub - It seems to have done the trick on ours.
Cheers