Helm Brake

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Steve21992

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Jan 22, 2008
11
Beneteau 440 Toronto ON
I have a 1992 Beneteau 440.
The helm brake no longer holds the helm secure when I tighten the three spoke wheel.
I believe the brake was made by Goiot (French Company)
It looks as if I need and new brake lining. A grey plastic sort of material held in place by three hex head nuts.

Is this part available anywhere?
Can it be made up? Where? (I am in Canada. Boat is in Grenada)
Can anyone suggest a suitable replacement unit that can be retrofitted to the exterior of the binnacle.

Any help or guidance would be much appreciated.

Steve Brockhouse
 
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Steve Dion

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Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Steve:

Have you contacted the factory or any of the dealers in the area? They are bound to know if there is a replacement part.
 
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Steve21992

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Jan 22, 2008
11
Beneteau 440 Toronto ON
I've been in touch with Beneteau USA.
They tell me the system is obsolete and the parts are no longer available.
That's why I came to this forum hoping someone could point me in another direction

Steve B
 
kloudie1

kloudie1

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Nov 6, 2006
10,216
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Steve, you may have to take the linings out.. usually not a small job... take the brake "shoes" to a truck brake shop and see if they have any ideas about how to re-line them. You may have to get some lining material from them and build the new parts yourself.. Another thing to consider might be to put a spacer between the holder and the back side of the lining to tighten everything up. Not easy to accomplish with the boat so far away.. Do you have pictures?
 
rardiH36

rardiH36

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Jun 21, 2007
2,118
Hunter Cherubini 36_80-82 Sausalito / San Francisco Bay
A long shot on this, but unless you have actually taken the brake apart to inspect the pieces, it is possible nothing is worn out or broke. When I bought my boat, the brake wouldn't hold at all. But turned out that the friction surfaces were covered with grease and oil from years of previous owner's not to careful about spill-over when lubricating the steering wheel shaft and the chain. I took my brake apart, cleaned everything well with solvents and roughed up the pads a bit with sand paper. Has been working fine ever since.
 
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Steve21992

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Jan 22, 2008
11
Beneteau 440 Toronto ON
Thanks for that input.
I took the system apart last season. It's quite easy to do. Just remove the helm wheel and then unscrew the three spoke wheel. The brake device is held in place by three hex head nuts so I have had all the parts in my hand. (Photos were intended, but digital camera decided to quit at that point in the season!)
The grey brake part (lining) tightens up against the binnacle bulkhead before the beveled section tightens down around the steering wheel shaft.

I don't believe it is possible to reline the brake part. It needs to be replaced (or rebuilt)
I don't know where this can be done, particularly in Grenada.
I will disassemble and bring the part back with me when I make the November visit.

However, my main question remains.
I believe the most likely to be successful long term solution is to find an aftermarket device that can be retrofitted.

I'm looking for recommendations on the best part to get.

Thanks for the input.

Steve Brockhouse
 
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