Rudder Bearing Failure

[garygreen68]

On haul out this week, we found that the lower rudder bearing (which carries the main rudder load) on my Beneteau First 44.7 had failed, literally falling apart from corriosion. The boat is a 2005 model, not even a full 10 years old. The rudder bearings were checked during a haul out last year and lubricated. No problem was found then. I was told to watch out for any stiffness in the steerring as a sign of impending rudder bearing failure. A crew member did experience some brief stiffness in the steering on one recent occasion, but otherwise the steering was fine. Have any other Beneteau owners experienced a similar rudder bearring failure? I'd be interested to know. Thanks.

Gary

 

[dkobyrne]

Hi,

I am inspecting mine as there was about 5 mm movement when pushed rudder sideways. I have a 411 and am trying to find out if both steel bearings on the shaft are supposed to be bonded. The upper bearing I can turn by hand and sits inside a plastic sleeve. I am replaving the phosphor bronze female bearing on the lower end but the steel on the shaft looks fine. Would be interested to see pictures of the failure you had and and any insight as to whether upper one should turn.. !

Declan