[C320-list] Steering 'clank' noise

[Robert Seastream]

Guys 'N Gals:

I noticed the above noise recently and wonder if it's cause for 
concern.  It started after we had the boat in 'spirited' weather (25 kt 
winds with 6 foot seas), enroute from Scituate, MA to Plymouth, MA.    
It happens during the minute back and forth adjustments you make while 
steering (along with a slight feeling of movement/play in the wheel 
when the noise occurs) almost as if there's play in the cables or 
wheel.  It sounds like it's coming from where the wheel joins the 
shaft, yet the nut that holds the wheel (not me) seems secure.

I got into the space where the rudder post is located with the 
attendant steering gear around it (quadrant?); the cables seem tight.  
 From there, they run horizontally to two pulleys under the pedestal 
(for the vertical run up the post), they too, seem secure.  There's a 
cover in the ceiling of the stateroom located under the steering 
pedestal; I've not taken it or the post apart for inspection yet.

Bob Seastream
2002, Hull 906
'Intuition'