Rudder bearing on 1981 Hunter 25

[KennyH]

I am replacing the white bearing under the tiller on my 25. I am not sure how it was attached to the rudder shaft. It had a bent bolt all the way through the shaft. Only half of the bearing was left and it was not attached to anything. It appears not to have had a hole through both sides of the bearing. Anyone who can tell me how this was attached originally. The bolt is hard to find a replacement for as it is a small dia. but 3 1/2 inches long to go through the bearing and shaft if that was original. No source for it locally. I am thinking it may have been attached by one sheet metal screw. Thanks for the help.

 

[Jim]

Rudder Bearing

Did this on my h25 some years ago. I used teflon for replacement but does not seem to be weathering all that well, so I wouldn't call it a great improvement. The attachment on my '81 was a machine screw, SS, notched in such a way that the screw head and tail did not exceed the dimension of the bearing itself. The screw passed through the rudder shaft and out the other side of the bearing. I suppose you could do this with two sheet metal screws, but don't forget the load on this critter. Regards, Jim

 

[gill]

homemade bearing

Went to a local plastics shop and bought a chunk of acrylic of appropriate thickness. Used 2 hole saws to cut the bearing, first cut the outer circle then the inner of proper sizes. The most difficult task was drilling the bearing horizontally to accept the ss thru bolt that attaches the bearing to the post. I recessed the holes in each side of the bearing so the bolt head & lock nut would clear everything. Cost $5.00 !

 

[gill]

Homemadebearingcontinued

I forgot to mention that this bearing has been in use for 4 years and has been exposed to temps from below zero to over 100 & sunlight & it is showing no signs of degridation. One thing I do each year is give it a shot of lithium grease to keep it quiet while under way.gill

 

[KennyH]

Thanks!

Thanks! I though I was on the right track and now I know I am.