[C320-list] Another question on the Squeaky Rudder Post

[David J Cardoza]

Haven't seen this yet but when under load the rudder would generate lift
creating a side force of the shaft on the tube could this be where
you/we would need to try to get a lubricant? Essentially under the
washer onto the shaft more like a white grease then a wd40 and of course
what would be the long-term effect on the fiberglass?

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Pat
Ireland
Sent: Monday, July 12, 2010 4:15 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Another question on the Squeaky Rudder Post

Ken

I believe the washer is supposed to be loose, but I have no knowledge of
the
original configuration.  There should be residue from the glue if it was
attached.

The cap is a piece of fibreglass pipe that has a raw end.  The deck is
gelcoat.  It seems logical, that under load the cap would hold the
washer
and the deck surface would slip.    It may be that at low load, the cap
does
not contact the washer and at high load the shaft pulls the cap down
against
the washer and the friction on the deck results in a squeak.

WD-40 is heavy oil in a solvent carrier.   It's great for some
applications,
but lubricants that contain teflon, carbon, or silicon may be more
appropriate for this use.  Having said that, it is still surprising that
WD40 makes the squeak louder.

My apology for asking this.  Is your steering loose or tight?  The only
time
I heard our rudder post head squeak was when the steering was very tight
from the torn Teflon tape at the bottom of the rudder shaft.   I was
searching for a point of failure and noticed a squeak as I move the
steering.  I have not noticed the squeak since the tape was removed.

 I think that the yard may have replaced the washer when the rudder was
installed, so a new washer might help.

Good luck with the troubleshooting and let us know what you find.

Pat





On Mon, Jul 12, 2010 at 10:44 AM, Ken Danko <ken320 at sbcglobal.net>
wrote:

> Pat:
>
> I noticed that the washer under the rudder post cap is the source of
the
> squeaking. Under 14 knots of wind the washer is stationary and there
is no
> squeaking. Above 14 knots of wind it tends to turn with the rudder
post and
> causes the squeaking.
>
> Does anyone know if the washer is supposed to be stationary or if it
is
> supposed to turn? I tried WD40 and it only made the squeaking MUCH
louder.
> If it is supposed to be stationary, should I attempt to glue it?
>
> Ken
>
> On 7/5/10 10:44 PM, Pat Ireland wrote:
>
>> Ken
>>
>> Checked the post on 801 today.  The rudder shaft cap is fibreglass
and
>> there
>> is a washer under it that looks like a wear bearing.  If 802 is
similar, a
>> bit of lube should do the trick.
>>
>> Pat
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Jul 1, 2010 at 10:46 PM, Pat Ireland<cherie320 at gmail.com>
wrote:
>>
>> Jeff
>>>
>>> Should be possible to remove and replace the head while still in the
>>> water.  The quadrant could be blocked to hold the rudder in position
>>> while
>>> the work is performed.
>>>
>>> Not sure what the right material specification would be for a thrust
>>> washer.  You are right on the durability of Delrin.  But the load on
the
>>> head should be low enough to allow the use of a non-filled material,
>>> which
>>> should provide a surface with the least friction.
>>>
>>> Pat, 801
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Thu, Jul 1, 2010 at 6:26 PM, Jeff Hare<catalina at thehares.com>
wrote:
>>>
>>> Pat,
>>>>
>>>> Would the washer thing have to be done out of the water?
>>>>
>>>> Would Delrin would be more durable?  NO idea however.  :)
>>>>
>>>> -Jeff
>>>> #809 Woodbine II
>>>> ------Original Message------
>>>> From: Pat Ireland
>>>> Sender: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
>>>> To: C320-List at catalina320.com
>>>>  ReplyTo: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>>>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Squeaky Rudder Post
>>>> Sent: Jul 1, 2010 9:22 PM
>>>>
>>>> Ken
>>>>
>>>> No experience yet, so you may get a better recomendation from
others.
>>>> Believe I would use a teflon spray lube.  And given visible wear, I
>>>> would
>>>> consider adding a thin teflon washer under the head cap.
>>>>
>>>> Pat, 801
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>