I have noticed a small squeeking sound coming from the steering wheel of my H31 when I turn it sometimes. It seems like it needs to be lubed. It looks easy enough to spray a little WD40 into the bushing on the pedestal, but I began to think, is there any standard practise for lubing or otherwise maintaining the steering system? Do any of you ever do anything in the way of preventative maintenance?
Steering lube
- Thread starter pimerese
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Yearly Steering Tune up
Once a year I remove the compass from the top of my pedestal and oil the steering chain, the steering shaft and the diesel controls. You have to be careful not to get any oil or grease on the steering brake. I also oil the bearings and work some grease into the chain, while working the steering from stop to stop. Next I replace the compass. Finally, I go inside the rear berth remove the panel and lubricate the cables the pulleys the pulley shafts and anything else that moves. You have to move the steering from side to side to grease the entire cables. At the same time tighten anything that's loose, look for anything that's defective or chafing. Lastly, tighten the steering cable to remove any slack and you're done until next year. About two hours work.
Once a year I remove the compass from the top of my pedestal and oil the steering chain, the steering shaft and the diesel controls. You have to be careful not to get any oil or grease on the steering brake. I also oil the bearings and work some grease into the chain, while working the steering from stop to stop. Next I replace the compass. Finally, I go inside the rear berth remove the panel and lubricate the cables the pulleys the pulley shafts and anything else that moves. You have to move the steering from side to side to grease the entire cables. At the same time tighten anything that's loose, look for anything that's defective or chafing. Lastly, tighten the steering cable to remove any slack and you're done until next year. About two hours work.
Try using Boeshield T-9
It works for a lot longer than WD40. Boeing designed it for use on airplane parts. You can get them at West Marine.
It works for a lot longer than WD40. Boeing designed it for use on airplane parts. You can get them at West Marine.
WD-40 is a solvent, not a lubricant.
It will clean off the parts, including the gunk that is clogging it up, but it will also clean off the grease. Stick with oil or grease. Is this a good application for winch grease??? Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
It will clean off the parts, including the gunk that is clogging it up, but it will also clean off the grease. Stick with oil or grease. Is this a good application for winch grease??? Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
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