Edson Pedestal?
Below is a link to the Edson technical document showing several types. My own 1979 H37C is exactly like illustration #4 on page 2/10. I think some early Cherubini's had Merriman pedestals but there should not be a big difference.
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You should be able to see all the components clearly from the aft lockers and under the cockpit sole. The exception would be those parts inside of the pedestal. Inside is a shaft connected to the wheel with a geared sprocket for a chain. A short section of chain is attached to a cable that goes out the bottom and around two sheaves that are angled back to the radial wheel. The radial wheel is clamped to the rudder stock. Some have a bolt through the shaft.
If someone turns the wheel while you are watching the radial wheel on the rudder shaft the problem should show itself. If the wire cables do not move then the problem is in the pedestal.
