36.7 Rudder Bearing

[Norm House]

I have been a co-owner of a Beneteau 36.7 for just over a year. She is a 2004 model. When we took delivery of the vessel, we noticed a squeak in the lower rudder bearing. We managed to inject some WD40 under the lower rubber bearing cover, which seemed to work. After a year, the squeak in back and there seems to be a tight spot in the rudder. Can we do any damage to the composition of the bearing if we inject oil into the area? Also would anyone have a copy of the drawings of the lower bearing, so we can best understand a fix?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Norm.

 

[Jackdaw]

You don't want any lube in the roller bearings. Anything that makes them slide and not roll will be bad.

Does your boat have the Jefa bearings? I have all the docs for how to manage them.

 

[Norm House]

Thanks for that Jackdaw. I'm not sure weather we have a Jefa bearing or not. I would assume that being a One Design boat, that they would all be the same. We have not had it apart, and it is hard to see due to the rubber boot over the lower bearing. You suggested that it has a roller bearing. I was not aware of that. I would also assume that a roller bearing would warrant lube. If it is of no inconvenience, could you please forward the documentation you mentioned, to nhouse@bigpond.com ? I am having difficulty obtaining drawings to better understand the assembly.
Anything you have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for that.

Norm House

 

[Jackdaw]

Thanks for that Jackdaw. I'm not sure weather we have a Jefa bearing or not. I would assume that being a One Design boat, that they would all be the same. We have not had it apart, and it is hard to see due to the rubber boot over the lower bearing. You suggested that it has a roller bearing. I was not aware of that. I would also assume that a roller bearing would warrant lube. If it is of no inconvenience, could you please forward the documentation you mentioned, to nhouse@bigpond.com ? I am having difficulty obtaining drawings to better understand the assembly.
Anything you have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for that.

Norm House

No Problem.

There have been several 'updates' to the 36.7 over the production years, none of which really effected the OD nature of the boat.

The Volvo MD2030 was switched for the D1-30

The rudder bearing were switched to the Jefa models.

The wheel went from the post to a pyramid mount, with the wheel sunk into the cockpit floor (awesome)

The mast was switched from clearcoat to epoxy black.

The 'pucks' on the cabin-top that allows use of both winches for any clutched line were made standard.

Roller bearings made out of delrin should not be lubed..... its better if they roll. Lube makes them likely to slide and then flat-spot. The original ones were rollers too but not as good. And sadly not removable without glasswork.

I'll email the docs when I get to my home PC later tonight.

Clay

 

[Norm House]

Rudder Bearing

No Problem.

There have been several 'updates' to the 36.7 over the production years, none of which really effected the OD nature of the boat.

The Volvo MD2030 was switched for the D1-30

The rudder bearing were switched to the Jefa models.

The wheel went from the post to a pyramid mount, with the wheel sunk into the cockpit floor (awesome)

The mast was switched from clearcoat to epoxy black.

The 'pucks' on the cabin-top that allows use of both winches for any clutched line were made standard.

Roller bearings made out of delrin should not be lubed..... its better if they roll. Lube makes them likely to slide and then flat-spot. The original ones were rollers too but not as good. And sadly not removable without glasswork.

I'll email the docs when I get to my home PC later tonight.

Clay

 

[Norm House]

Thanks Clay,

Look forward to your input. What would be the easiest way to find our type of bearing? Looked at it today, and it doesn't appear to be a roller bearing, as the stock seems too narrow. I am assuming it is a bush.

Norm.

 

[Jackdaw]

Thanks Clay,

Look forward to your input. What would be the easiest way to find our type of bearing? Looked at it today, and it doesn't appear to be a roller bearing, as the stock seems too narrow. I am assuming it is a bush.

Norm.

You have mail.

If you call Todd or Ward at Beneteau service with your Hull ID, they will know exactly what bearing system your boat has. Beneteau made a roll over on the First 36.7 and 40.7 sometime in mid production.