Squeeky Rudder

[Greg Crout]

I have an Oday 30 1981. When putting the rudder hard over, either to port or starboard, I get a sort of squeeky metal on metal grinding sound and sensation in the area of the rudder post. While looking at the rudder post below deck, I see grease everywhere on the post but have not been able to find a grease fitting. Has anyone else had the same squeek and what was your fix?

 

[TT]

There should be a grease nipple

Greg - I've an Edson pedestal retro-fitted to my O'Day 27 by a previous owner. I didn't spot it untill I took the quadrant off of the rudder post, but there is a bronze thrust bearing / packing on top of the rudder tube, and it has a grease fitting on it. The thing is very difficult to access, or to see, but it IS there, at least in my installation.

 

[js]

grease fitting

I have a 34 and on the back of the rudder tube a gease fitting was installed. Could have been the PO or factory, but I pump it full every spring w/marine grease until it comes out of the top of the rudder tube.