Need some advice with my Cobra 4R (?)

[Bald60]

Hi -

tried local forums first, but see now that I have to "world-wide" in hope of some help

I've taken down my steering pedestal in order to service it. After much struggle, I've managed to get the top bearing out, but I'm not able to figure out how to get to the lower one. According to what's written inside the pedestal, this is supposed to be a Cobra 4R - but none of the drawings I've managed to find seems to fit my version. What I am struggeling with is some sort of "dome" on the bottom, as shown in the photo. Does anyone know if this one is screwed on, or of it is supposed to come off at all?

The photo is showing the bottom of the pedestal, if this is confusing Greatful for any advice!

/bald60

[gulfstar37]

A couple more photos would help especially under the dome. Looking for evidence of threads from the sharp transition to it. Also a few photos from back side. Any cables, electrical wiring etc. from the base?

[Bald60]

Ok, as requested. One photo from the edge of the dome, where there might (or might just be paint) be some treads.

Another photo from the top (bottom), where you can see two holes fairly straight across. I've checked, no screwes inside - they go straight through. But maybe ment for some kind of special tool to unscrew the dome with?

The final photo is actually from inside the pedestal, looking at the shaft exiting the dome. I think the outer rim of bearing (if that is what it is) is visible .

After banging on the bottom end of the shaft - without any success so far - I still think these are the two options: bang on the bottom end of the shaft until it pops out - or somehow try to get the dome unscrewed. But - I surely can't be the only one with such a pedestal - so, anyone with some knowledge on how to get the shaft and eventually the bearing out?

/bald60

[Jim Cate]

This may seem silly, buthave you called the mfg with your question? If there is a source for replacement parts, surely there is someone who knows!

Good luck... i've always liked those steering setups as a visitor on other boats, and hope you can solve your problems.

Jim

[Bald60]

Hi -

sorry, but I'm not sure what you mean by mfg?!

And no, haven't called anyone - yet

/bald60

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by Bald60

Hi -

sorry, but I'm not sure what you mean by mfg?!

And no, haven't called anyone - yet

/bald60

So sorry! Mfg= manufacturer (or vendor)

Jim

[gulfstar37]

Cobra pedistals were manufactured by Whitlock who was bought out by Lewmar. Anything I can find indicates that bottom bearing housing was bolted on. But your photo doesn't match that. Custom?

There is suppose to be an expert, Cliff Mogridge, at winchservicing.com for older Whitlock pedestal steering. May want to contact them and send the photos and see what they have to say. Would be interesting to hear if you are successful with your project.

[Bald60]

So - an update.

Sent a mail to winchservicing.com with pictures, but so far no respons.

So the other day I found my heatgun, heated the dome until it was starting to smoke - and gave the axel a good tap on the end. And it worked - got the axel with the old bearing out. After a little cleanup it didn't look too bad after all, all the stuff on the "dark" photo wasn't rust but old grease

Hopefully I'll get it all back together this weekend, and back in the boat soon.
Thanks for all advice and support - and have a great weekend!

/bald60

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Bald.

Lewmar / Whitlock “Cobra 4/4RR” Steering Pedestal
☞ http://www.eddievan.com/documents/wh...a_steering.pdf
Cobra 6/6R ☞ https://www.hisse-et-oh.com/system/a...pdf?1371711473

Parts & Service
Cliff Mogridge
Mobile +44 (0) 7970 820522
Phone +44 (0) 1243 430050
☞ https://yachtsteeringservices.com/
☞ https://yachtsteeringservices.com/pr...wmar-steering/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qNTeSNlakM

[gulfstar37]

Bald60,

Glad you figured this out. Nothing more frustrating than not being able to find documentation on what you have. Especially nowadays with the internet. GordMay has a intensive library for almost anything. Glad he is on the site. He included the overseas phone number for winchservicing.com.

[Bald60]

Thanks, steering is back in the boat - and there is close to no play in it any more, instead of the 15-20 degrees I had. All worth it
Also, now I know how to service my steering. Strange though, that I'm not able to find any documentation on my particulare pedestal. Is it possible I have the one and only in the world?!

/bald60

[gulfstar37]

Custom? Maybe don't know if thats good or bad but on the bright side..... YOU ARE the expert on this one now.

Happy Sailing[emoji569][emoji569]