Lavezzi 40: Rudder Bearing Wear and Replacement

[Ram]

Mine are also worn and need replacement now, I have about 1/8 in play it seems on my worst one, and not going to be able to change it until I sail about 1500 miles, is there a danger of weareimg through the rudder housing and creating a leake?

[Dragon Lady]

Originally Posted by Ram

Mine are also worn and need replacement now, I have about 1/8 in play it seems on my worst one, and not going to be able to change it until I sail about 1500 miles, is there a danger of weareimg through the rudder housing and creating a leake?

No, you will be fine.
My Lavezzi crossed the pacific with about that much play.
To be honest I think you could leave it for a very long time.
What prompted me to change mine was the clunking noise it made at anchor which was quite annoying when you wanted to sleep.

[Ram]

Anyone who has removed these I could use some help, how do you remove the bottom bearing without damaging the metal holder its in

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by Ram

Anyone who has removed these I could use some help, how do you remove the bottom bearing without damaging the metal holder its in

I haven't done such, but about to embark on this project. As far as I can tell, the bearing will rotate in the housing allowing it to be removed. With the rudder shaft removed, rotate the bearing so the hole in the bearing is horizontal (vs. vertical when the shaft is in-place) and then the bearing will come out.

That's my understanding so far.....pls update this thread with actually experiences.