[C320-list] Steering 'clank' noise

[Jeff Church]

Bob,

Your boat is pretty new for this, but you might check for play at the top 
rudder bearing. Take the deck plate off and watch the top of the rudder post 
as you work the wheel back and forth.

Also, the spec for the cables is 1" of deflection in 3' of unsupported 
length.

Good luck

JeffC

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Seastream" <seastream at adelphia.net>
To: "C320-List" <c320-list at catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 5:52 PM
Subject: [C320-list] Steering 'clank' noise


> 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'
>
>