Our autopilot wheel drive began disengaging itself, first occasionally then more often. I had replaced the clutch and the idler wheel maybe six years ago. When I removed the wheel drive I found the backing plate broken. On the back of the plastic plate there is a metal plate that supports the end of the gearbox, clutch wheel and idler shafts, and the mounts for that were broken.
I found the part number for just the backing plate, but at a price that seemed high, about $170 as I remember. I called Raymarine to see if they sold the part, and they told me they have a flat rate repair for the whole unit (P/N A18081) at $315 plus tax and shipping. Since the rest of the unit including the motor has likely been on the boat since built in 2000, I figured there were likely more worn parts so I shipped it to them.
They received it on Oct 7, it showed up at my door yesterday, Nov 2.
They replaced the broken back plate, the belt, and the gearbox.
If the weather behaves tomorrow I'll remount it and take it out for a test.
I found the part number for just the backing plate, but at a price that seemed high, about $170 as I remember. I called Raymarine to see if they sold the part, and they told me they have a flat rate repair for the whole unit (P/N A18081) at $315 plus tax and shipping. Since the rest of the unit including the motor has likely been on the boat since built in 2000, I figured there were likely more worn parts so I shipped it to them.
They received it on Oct 7, it showed up at my door yesterday, Nov 2.
They replaced the broken back plate, the belt, and the gearbox.
If the weather behaves tomorrow I'll remount it and take it out for a test.
