Top Rudder Bearing needing replaced

[asteven221]

Going to get the top bearing replaced when the boat is lifted next week. Due to time constraints I am going to pay someone to do it for me. Mast & Rigging at Kio Marina where the boat is located cant do it as their engineer is ill unfortunately. Does anyone know of someone they could recommend to do this job.

Thanks. It is a Bav 44 incidentally and steering is fine but top bearing clonks and I can feel it moving laterally slightly when I put my foot on it.

 

[capnsensible]

I've just finished delivering one of those that showed the same symptoms on deck. Every couple of days I checked the actual rudder stock.....we were way offshore..... and couldn't see any movement at all.

I would be very interested to hear what happens so I could pass it on, ta. Good luck with finding your engineer.

 

[vyv_cox]

My rudder stock has clonked a little ever since I bought the boat 25 years ago. Two years ago it began to get worse but investigation showed that the bottom bearing was badly worn. I replaced that (write-up http://coxeng.co.uk/stern-gear/sadler-34-rudder-bearings/) but doing the top one is a major job so I left it for now. I found that the clonk in the top one is no worse than it was 25 years ago.

 

[dom]

Has the Bav 44 a skeg as in that excellent post on Vyv's website? If not and if it is necessary to drop the rudder anyway, then I'd be inclined to change both.

BTW I'm assuming the bearings are glide and therefore cheap. If self-aligning spindle, the costs would be a lot more.

 

[scottie]

Try Meadowside marine who are on site
If you need a lift out quite a wait at the moment though.
But your in the queue so ok
Have a look at Jefa rudder site you may well find it’s their supply!

 

[asteven221]

Thanks for replies. I will report back how I get on. Yeah I will try Meadowside thanks.