Mine is on the forward side of the tube. Did you ever make the modification for the removable panel in the quarter-berth? That makes access much easier (though still requires a fair bit of contortion).
Rudder post grease - E26
- Thread starter NW26
- Start date
Alan Gomes
Sustaining Partner
I'm sure there is no zerk on the front side of my rudder tube; I've looked at that side of it very carefully,
Yes, I made the quarter berth divider removable quite a few years ago.
Possibly one of those things they added on later models. The evolution of the E26 is interesting.
Not unlike this feature! I couldn't remember if you'd done it.
OK, an update on my 34-2. After removing the auto-pilot assembly and the 2 through-bolts, I dropped the rudder post down about 3" (so I can shim the lower bushing). I was then able to see a completely rusted zerk fitting on the port side of the cockpit cap (upper bushing). So, I actually do have 2 zerks. The upper zerk I had not been able to see, or get to, with it on the side of the cap. There is only about an inch between the top of the quadrant and the bottom of the cockpit sole.
I've now removed the cockpit cap, fixed a bit of rot in the cockpit sole where the seal had leaked, and am now ready to put it back together. I'm speculating that the zerk got rotated when the PO had the autopilot installed. I'm rotating it back to the aft side (with a new zerk) so that both zerks can be easily greased from the locker. I'm looking forward to pumping in the grease!
I've now removed the cockpit cap, fixed a bit of rot in the cockpit sole where the seal had leaked, and am now ready to put it back together. I'm speculating that the zerk got rotated when the PO had the autopilot installed. I'm rotating it back to the aft side (with a new zerk) so that both zerks can be easily greased from the locker. I'm looking forward to pumping in the grease!
paul culver
Member III
I have owned my E-29 for 19 years now and every time the zerk discussion comes up in this community I go to my boat and try to find them. So far, no joy. Good news is the steering is still smooth as butter.
Tomfoolery
E34-2
Any specific type of grease required for this job? Any type of marine grease will do?
Alan Gomes
Sustaining Partner
I use SuperLube Teflon grease, which works fine and holds up a long time.
Dave G.
1984 E30+ Ludington, MI
Curious how much play you have ? FWIW Couple years back I had to drop the rudder to get the prop shaft out and found a few wraps of old and decaying bronze or brass shim material around the rudder post. Also found the tube completely empty of any sign of grease. After experimenting with various types of shim material and how to keep it in place, I decided to reassemble without the shimming and pump the needed grease into the tube. I was pleasantly surprised to find the grease alone removed the play entirely. So you may want to grease it first and see if you really need the shim(s).
Alan Gomes
Sustaining Partner
I shimmed my rudder post with stainless shims, top and bottom. I've observed no "decay" in them whatsoever. And I also have no play.
Prairie Schooner
Jeff & Donna, E35-3 purchased 7/21
Brian,
What do you reckon the wall thickness of the rudder tube is (tube, not post)?
On the E381 they wrapped the initial tube with what appears to be woven roving. My guess is it can approach 1/2" thick.
When I drilled the 32-3 tube it was at least 3/8th thick. Photos below show initial 1/2" bit hole, which stops before full penetration. Smaller hole is with 1/4" bit to open grease passage to rudder post.
...
E381. Photos to right are E32-3 rudder tube, drilled for grease fitting.
When I drilled the 32-3 tube it was at least 3/8th thick. Photos below show initial 1/2" bit hole, which stops before full penetration. Smaller hole is with 1/4" bit to open grease passage to rudder post.
...E381. Photos to right are E32-3 rudder tube, drilled for grease fitting.
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bsangs
E35-3 - New Jersey
I'm terrible with eyeballing measurements Jeff - one of the many reasons I majored in journalism, way back when. I'd go with what Christian said. It didn't take long to reach the post, that much I know.
bsangs
E35-3 - New Jersey
I used Green Grease, based on recommendations in one of the rudder tube posts around here.
Prairie Schooner
Jeff & Donna, E35-3 purchased 7/21
Thanks Christian @Christian Williams and Brian @bsangs
It's probably safe to assume our rudder hasn't seen new grease in some time.
Jeff
It's probably safe to assume our rudder hasn't seen new grease in some time.
Jeff
bsangs
E35-3 - New Jersey
That's a piece a cake compared to the other projects you're doing.
Hi Dave, I ended up installing a DIY stainless shim 0.010" thick, then pumping it full of grease. I made the shim from sheet stock, and included a flange at the bottom (multiple tabs), so the flange keeps it in place. I did think about just pumping it full of grease, but it was about to go back in the water and I wanted to know I'd done what I could when I could . . .