Question for the Pros: When to Replace Rudder Bearings?

[CaptNemoO2]

As the title says, when should the rudder bearings be replaced? How much play is too much?

I have no steering issues, but over the summer I have noticed some groaning coming from the rudder post area when sailing, more so on a starboard tack. I looked at the steering quadrant while it was doing this and noticed some movement. Well now that the boat is hualed for the winter I was able to inspect just how much the rudder is moving. When grabbing the bottom of the rudder, I get about .25" of movement at the very end (it's about a 6 foot deep rudder). It is significantly less at the bottom bearing. I have to grab a second person so I can watch at the top bearing to see how much that's moving as well, but I feel it's the top bearing that has the play.

Also, I see no way of lubricating the top bearing, but I did spray some down the best I could with not much change.

If I find my dial indicator, I can rig up a way of measuring the total float at the bottom bearing of that info would help.

Thanks in advance!

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