Lancer 30 Rudder / Steering Issue

[tgsailor]

I was out yesterday in my Lancer 30 and had trouble with my steering when I put the boat hardover (either way ) during modest winds. At one point my steering locked up and made a grinding sound when it was put hard over.
I had control if I kept the boat out of the extremes of steering to either side and made it back to the marina. I have an Edison pedestal (cable) and when I looked at the connection to the rudder post, i noticed the rudder post would rise, maybe 1/2 " to 1" when I cramped the wheel either way.
Does anyone have any ideas? Could this be a bearing (are there bearings in that rudder post)? The cables are good and tight and it turns fine if I dont' turn the wheel to its limits either way.

 

[Brian D]

I would shoot an email off to Edson and see if they can give you any guidance. At least try and get an exploded view document of the way all the parts fit. It sounds like when you get to a certain point in the sweep the cable going up the pedestal to the wheel is lifting the post. If I was at my boat I could take a look and see, but all I have is memories of looking at the rudder post and how the cables are attached.

If you don't get many replies here, try posting in the Ask All Sailors section. That will hit the majority of the user of SBO.

 

[packman]

Two possibles for you, rudder post bearings, specifically the upper, or one of your cable guides has come loose or broken free allowing the cable to pull up instead of straight at the ends of travel, the last would definitely cause a grinding noise, just for grins, check your quadrant bolts and key.

 

[BobM]

The stops for the limits of the wheel may be blocks attached to the underside of the deck. Perhaps one or both of these are missing or broke off.

http://www.edsonmarine.com/support/wheel_conversion/pdfs/S-808.pdf

 

[tgsailor]

Thanks to all who responded. This is very helpful.

 

[Noth]

There aren't any bearings in the rudder tube.. just pieces of PVC pipe.. I dropped my rudder to fit an emergency tiller fitting to the top and when it was down crammed a ton of waterproof grease in the tube.. has been pretty smooth for the last 20 years..