It appears that there is something slapping against the inside of the Edson steering column while the boat moves underway. My guess is the cable to chain connection may be the cause. OR, perhaps the control cable clamp in the center rear of the pedestal is loose (although the exterior screw is very tight). I plan on following Edson's recommendation to remove the cable and chain for inspection as a first step. I have tried tightening the cable at the radial several time but it has little or no effect. If anyone has any experience with this problem and can point me in the right direction it will save a lot of time and work.
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Noises in Pedestal Steering
If it is built like mine (H30 '77), there is a sprocket driving a chain (like a bicycle). Any play will cause the chain to clank against the column. This is not serious, just noise. Second problem I found (when the steering broke in a following sea) was that the position of the chain was not exactly centered on the sprocket. This caused the fitting where the chain joins the wire cable to jam against a sprocket tooth at one extreme end of travel. Each time the effect was to bend the fitting. Eventually it broke, the chain fell off the sprocket and I had a free wheeling wheel no longer attached to the rudder. This maladjustment happened because someone had tightened the steering cable at the quadrant on one side only. That is what causes the chain to become uncentered on the sprocket. Hope this helps, Henry
If it is built like mine (H30 '77), there is a sprocket driving a chain (like a bicycle). Any play will cause the chain to clank against the column. This is not serious, just noise. Second problem I found (when the steering broke in a following sea) was that the position of the chain was not exactly centered on the sprocket. This caused the fitting where the chain joins the wire cable to jam against a sprocket tooth at one extreme end of travel. Each time the effect was to bend the fitting. Eventually it broke, the chain fell off the sprocket and I had a free wheeling wheel no longer attached to the rudder. This maladjustment happened because someone had tightened the steering cable at the quadrant on one side only. That is what causes the chain to become uncentered on the sprocket. Hope this helps, Henry
Regular Service for Steering
It's my understanding that it is best to service the entire steering system every couple of years (who actually does that, I don't know.) The instructions I have -- Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical Manual -- seem to indicate a day or 2 at most to take it all apart and put it all back together.
It's my understanding that it is best to service the entire steering system every couple of years (who actually does that, I don't know.) The instructions I have -- Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical Manual -- seem to indicate a day or 2 at most to take it all apart and put it all back together.
Take a look
You should be able to remove your compass and take a look down inside the pedistal. With a flashlight you may be able to see what is making the noise. Worth a try!
You should be able to remove your compass and take a look down inside the pedistal. With a flashlight you may be able to see what is making the noise. Worth a try!
steering clunk
for 5 years or more hunter have built one-piece rudders with a s/steel bearing surface on the shaft working against a nylon outer. To my horror on my delivery trip (310) the clunk I felt in a following sea was found to be an out of round s/s bearing, resulting in 2" play at rudder bottom! Magnet test showed s/steel not marine grade, mine was 20% pitted after one season. ALL you guys with new boats will have a problem soon. Hunter response was that they were not aware of any problems, no offer to fix. BEWARE!!!!!
for 5 years or more hunter have built one-piece rudders with a s/steel bearing surface on the shaft working against a nylon outer. To my horror on my delivery trip (310) the clunk I felt in a following sea was found to be an out of round s/s bearing, resulting in 2" play at rudder bottom! Magnet test showed s/steel not marine grade, mine was 20% pitted after one season. ALL you guys with new boats will have a problem soon. Hunter response was that they were not aware of any problems, no offer to fix. BEWARE!!!!!
Julian
The Klunk I feel is inside the pedestil column. The boat has been hauled for the winter and the rudder seems to be fine, PAT
The Klunk I feel is inside the pedestil column. The boat has been hauled for the winter and the rudder seems to be fine, PAT
Have the same problem
I was experiencing a Klunk in the steering too. I spoke with Edson and they told me to take a look, which I did. On my steering system the wheel shaft is connected and locked in position with a pinned collar. The Klunk is made when the wheel gear pushes up against the collar. (There was about a 1/16" gap) At least on my boat there is no way this will lead to steering failure. I could eliminate the noise by clipping in a plastic washer to take up the gap. Remember there has to be some play between this connection. You should inspect never the less. I also took the opportunity to grease and tighten the cables while the pedestal was open.
I was experiencing a Klunk in the steering too. I spoke with Edson and they told me to take a look, which I did. On my steering system the wheel shaft is connected and locked in position with a pinned collar. The Klunk is made when the wheel gear pushes up against the collar. (There was about a 1/16" gap) At least on my boat there is no way this will lead to steering failure. I could eliminate the noise by clipping in a plastic washer to take up the gap. Remember there has to be some play between this connection. You should inspect never the less. I also took the opportunity to grease and tighten the cables while the pedestal was open.
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