Steering Pedestal

[Russ Smith]

Hi EveryoneI've got a 1979 Catalina 30 with a 5'3" draft. It has wheel steering (which I'm certain they all do), which has become a little stiff in the last couple of months.I disconnected the wheel steering from the rudder, and found that the rudder is still very free moving, so I'm certain that the stiffness is in the steering linkage. The pedestal that I have has gear sprocket behind the wheel connected via bicycle chain to another sprocket under the cockpit floor, then connects via a shaft to what I suspect is a rack and pinion to a push/pull rod that attaches to a bell crank on the rudder.There is grease in the fitting top and bottom, which appear to getting a little dry. But, there are no fittings to service the grease.So, my questions, am I going to need to disassemble the entire steering system in order to grease it? And, does anyone know the name of the manufacturer of the steering pedestal.Russ

 

[BW]

It probably is an Edson

I have an 88 C30. I believe Edson is the steering pedestal vendor. They have a web site www.edsonmarine.com and if you email them they have been very responsive and supportive. They sent me diagrams and suggestions on repairs in the past that have been helpful.They could probably tell you if they supplied the assembly for 79.I don't know the answer to your question about grease fittings, but I am curious to see what the answer is.

 

[Russ Smith]

Thanks BW of Columbus

Thanks BWI'll definately check the website....Thanks AgainRuss