whitlock steering problem

[wotayottie]

The central handwheel on the boss of my steering system doesnt lock the steering as such. It simply makes it harder to turn but not hard enough to stop the wheel from being moved by wash etc when the boat is left on the mooring

Does anyone know if this is how it is supposed to work. And if not, does anyone have an illustration of the mechanism

 

[auditdata]

Diagram

Or if 600 then http://www.lewmar.com/cms/assets/1/Literature/Constellation%20Steering%20Manual_web.pdf

 

[mireland]

+1

 

[wotayottie]

Diagram

Or if 600 then http://www.lewmar.com/cms/assets/1/Literature/Constellation%20Steering%20Manual_web.pdf

Mine is the Cobra type ( the rod version) and I cannot see from the exploded diagram how the wheel thingy will lock the steering. It looks for all the world as if the lock wheel simply pushes forward a rod which pushes against the vertical shaft that moves the steering ie is just a friction thing rather than a proper lock

 

[Tidewaiter2]

Moi aussi, Guv

Our knob twirls but never locks it up solid.
Spline key looks ok, no wear, maybe operational tolerances???//

 

[cobolt]

Guys, the brake works by pushing a metal slug (mentioned above) onto a metal bar which sits in the steering axle, this in turn pushes two friction materials together, creating a brake, mich like the brake disc principle on your car.

Please note, this is not designed to be a steering "lock". You will always be able to turn the wheel when it is engaged (note doing so runs a risk of tearing the friction material from its backing).

It should however, add enough friction to stop the rudder moving about when at rest.

If this is not the case, I would suggest checking the slug is present in the axle as suggested above. A blob of bluetack on the end of a pencil should fish it out.