Another rudder question

[SGY]

Gents, on my 2005 196 I've had stiff steering of late. So, I disconnected the steering cable and diagnosed the problem to be rudder related. I removed the rudder shaft from the rudder port, cleaned things up, put some grease on the shaft and in the port and put things back together. Now, the steering is very light and easy. Question, though. I didn't do anything to address the rudder packing. I've never had any leaks before so I thought it would be fine. Does removing the shaft require replacement of the packing? Also, how much up and down play is normal. I have about a 1/8th play up and down. Not sure if it was light that before, but the tiller arm is fully seated on top of the rudder square nut and the shim is in place.

Thanks for your help.

[richard]

rudder quz

I had remove the rudder of my SAN 1-2 times,just put it back with water resist grease apply to the shaft, without change the packing,so far no problem,in case u put it back carefully w/out hurt the packing don't worry about it,have a visual leaking check when put the boat in water will take easy of mine.