I have a whitlock steering system on my oc281. I single hand most of the time and use the wheel brake to "steer" when going below for a beverage, furling /deploying the main etc. I also use it sometimes to just help hold the wheel and relax my grip. My question is; the wheel squeaks a lot when there is friction applied by the brake. It's very annoying and I was wondering if I expose the internal parts of the brake, can I lubricate it or would that make the break worthless because the pads or whatever is in there becomes too slick to hold? Thought I'd seek suggestions before I start taking things apart.
wheel brake
- Thread starter Bill C320 Papillon
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Sounds to me like
it may be time to rebuild your Whitlock wheel brake as the pads are probably glazed. Not sure how hard it may be to find parts, but here is a start. Also, see link below where you can indicate what parts/info you are seeking. Good luck. Kiwi Yachting Consultants 15 Westmoreland St West Grey Lynn Auckland New Zealand MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 90114 Auckland Mail Centre Auckland New Zealand Phone: +64 9 3600 300 Fax: +64 9 3600 302 Email: sales@kiwiyachting.co.nz
it may be time to rebuild your Whitlock wheel brake as the pads are probably glazed. Not sure how hard it may be to find parts, but here is a start. Also, see link below where you can indicate what parts/info you are seeking. Good luck. Kiwi Yachting Consultants 15 Westmoreland St West Grey Lynn Auckland New Zealand MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 90114 Auckland Mail Centre Auckland New Zealand Phone: +64 9 3600 300 Fax: +64 9 3600 302 Email: sales@kiwiyachting.co.nz
Don't know how tight you set it,
but once we're sailing, the boat almost steers itself, so the wheel lock is only on, ever, very lightly, even when motoring. We never "crank it down hard."
but once we're sailing, the boat almost steers itself, so the wheel lock is only on, ever, very lightly, even when motoring. We never "crank it down hard."
Check the pads
If your system is like an Edson I found oil and or grease all over my pads from PO trying to oil or grease the steering shaft cause there was a only a little hole there and I installed grease fittings to solve that problem. I removed the pads and wiped them down with solvent to remove the oil and you have to clean the surface that the pad touches then I lightly sanded the pads and reinstalled.
If your system is like an Edson I found oil and or grease all over my pads from PO trying to oil or grease the steering shaft cause there was a only a little hole there and I installed grease fittings to solve that problem. I removed the pads and wiped them down with solvent to remove the oil and you have to clean the surface that the pad touches then I lightly sanded the pads and reinstalled.
Thanks All
No Ross, I wouldn't lubricate the pads on my car but I don't depend on my sailboat wheel lock to save my life. It is just a convenience that has developed an annoyance.
No Ross, I wouldn't lubricate the pads on my car but I don't depend on my sailboat wheel lock to save my life. It is just a convenience that has developed an annoyance.
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