Autopilot Won't Hold

[Rich]

I have an autohelm ST7000 Autopilot. The drive unit connects to the steering wheel shaft via a collar that locks on with the use of a hex nut. My problem is that the hex nut keeps coming loose. I've torqed it down as tight as possible and even tried using "locktight" on it. After a few hours of sailing under autopilot it slips free. Naturally it happens most often on a close haul or close reach. Has anyone else had this problem? What was your solution.Thanks,Rich H.

 

[Guest]

2nd nut

Is there room for s second nut and some more loctite

 

[red coles]

Try this

Hi Rich Remove set screw,and mark shaft thru hole. Remove collar and drill or grind a depression into shaft,then use loctite and second screw. Good luck red

 

[Rich]

Thanks for the suggestions

Thanks for the suggetions. I'll give it a try. I had been toying with the idea of drilling a depression into the shaft underneath the set screw. Glad to hear that that's what you would do.Rich