packing for rudder

[derekdiel]

does anybody know how to install packing around rudder shaft. I just bought the packing and want to install it but there was no packing on the rudder previously for me to see how it was installed.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: packing for rudder

NO packing there now? Do you take on a bunch of water there? What boat?

There should be a nut that you remove. FIRST, put a wood block just under your rudder so it does not clang off the floor !!! You need to remove the safety wire if there is one on there, then the bolt that holds the boss fitting for the tiller arm to the top of the rudder shaft. Remove the tiller arm. Depending on which boat, etc, it will be 1 7/8 - 2" nut. You need two wrenches. Remove the cap nut, clean it out, and measure what size packing you need with a drill bit, should be either 1/4" or 3/16". I use the goretex stuff. Remove the rudder and clean the shaft. You need three pieces cut exactly the circumference of the rudder shaft. Easiest way is to wrap it around and cut it perfect with a new razor. You insert one into the cap, stagger the joint 120* and add the second, then the third. Put a little white lithium grease or something of the like on the rudder shaft, install the shaft, install the cap. You want it snug, but not super tight. Put the fitting back together, and safety wire.

This is a really easy procedure. Same basic idea applies to the driveshaft packing. MAy as well do both at the same time. The driveshaft needs to be tightened only enough so that a few drops per minute come through. Too loose, you take on a bunch of water, too tight and you will burn out the packing and mess up the shaft.

Mike

[derekdiel]

thanks for the reply, and ya there was no packing in there and I've already got the rudder off and cleaned up. It's a 1991 ski nautique, but I hadn't really noticed alot of water in bilge in the past just stiff steering. There was also a little play in up and down movement of the rudder so I bought some shims as well. Hopefully I can figure out how to install the packing correctly with your info. Thanks.

[DavidF]

I am going to go out on a limb and say I bet the packing is indeed in place on your boat. You are probably just mistaking it for part of the rudder port since it mostly likely has taken on a hard brass colored consistency. Dig that old stuff out and put three new rings of packing in. Stagger the joints on each ring of packing rope. Snug down the collar nut.

[WakeSlayer]

I cannot imagine that if you were using this boat and not flooding the bilge that there is no packing. I am going to join David on the limb. Stick a pick or hook or something in there and I bet there is packing in there. What shims did you buy? Stiff steering is probably your cable. Easy to change in that boat and after 18 years, not a bad idea.

[derekdiel]

I replaced the steering cable about three years ago. I also disconnected the steering cable from the rudder to see if the steering wheel would turn smooth disconnected to eliminate the cable and it was smooth. The shims I bought are from midwest correct craft and they go on top of the rudder housing to decrease end play.

[WakeSlayer]

Perfect.

[DavidF]

Something is weird hear. There should be a bearing washer between the tiller arm and collar nut/cap. Adding more washers will not eliminate end play. More washers will merely lift the rudder in the port.