I have been re-conditioning a 1991 Hunter 42 CC. The steering was very stiff when I purchased the boat. Lubricated with dry graphite the cable pulleys and as much of the cable as possible. This helped however steering is still stiffer than normal. Any suggestions?
stiff steering on Hunter 42 Passage
- Thread starter BellaSogno9119
- Start date
Our 1991 has the original smooth operating Edson steering system. Sounds like a restriction somewhere. One spot to check is in front (bow side) of the lower battery box where the cable enters the turning block. Someone pushed the box against the plastic guide and broke it. Open the small lower hatch to check it with a bright light. I replaced both of our broken ones.
If those are okay, disconnect the cable system from the quadrant and have someone spin the wheel while you watch below. That will isolate the system from the rudder and quadrant. I lubricate our system and inspect it every year or so.
If those are okay, disconnect the cable system from the quadrant and have someone spin the wheel while you watch below. That will isolate the system from the rudder and quadrant. I lubricate our system and inspect it every year or so.
Thank you for your inputs. I know the plastic guides are cracked. Did you purchase these through Hunter and did you need to remove the cable to replace the guides? Also, what lubricant are you using?
I had the rudder stuffing box seize to the rudder shaft once. When the wheel was turned it twisted the stuffing box hose til it wouldn't twist any more, then the hose spun on the box. Steering was very stiff and eventually would have broken the hose with dire results. Took a lot of work in a very cramped space to get it freed up.
I use a non petroleum based grease as a lubricate. Rather than removing the cable to replace those fittings that I purchased from Edson, I cut them in half, used 3M5200 as an adhesive, to thread them into the turning block housing. That was done in 2004 and still a solid repair.
Are you sure your brake shoes aren't stuck? I know it sounds silly but I sailed my boat a year thinking the steering was "stiff" before I discovered the shoes were stuck even though the lock wheel was loose.
I disassembled the brake mechanism to ensure the breaks were not engaged. Thanks for the thought. I have contacted Edson to see if I can still purchase the plastic pieces mentioned earlier and will lubricate everything in the system.
On my boat I found two grease fitting on the inside of the pedestal. Don't know if they are on yours but when I greased them it made a big difference.
Thanks all. I ceaned and oiled the chain, also found the grease hole and greased the bearing. Made a big improvement. Thank you again.