What tool for nut on my rudder

[GeoffV]

Picture of the M75-377 dimensions M48x2mm

[Yngmar]

This or two screwdrivers and a bar.

[MagicalArmchair]

 
I used one of these - although mine was pretty loose  - good luck!

My write up of our adventure is here: https://www.sailingmirage.uk/blog/seizing-up-rudder-on-passage-how-to-replace-your-rudder-bearings/

[Samoerai]

I used something like this:



Not really made for the job, but 'good enough' to get the nut fixed.

[GeoffV]

My rudder nut is recessed down in the deck fitting so I need the proper tool shown above.
Its on its way to me now as the boat comes out next Wednesday.

[GeoffV]

The last thing before dropping the rudder is how to get the key out of the rudder stock or is there enough room for it to pass out of the lower bearing.

Nb: for future reference for anyone doing this with a recessed rudder stock like in the previous photo above - The tool for the rudder nut doesn't fit in the recess, so cannot be used. Fortunately it was easy to tap one of the holes at an angle to start it.

[MagicalArmchair]

Yikes, so that tool didn't fit the recessed rudder? I doubt the key will fit through the bearing - it'll need to come out first before you drop it.

Well done getting it apart and making a start. Take lots of photos! How are you going to control the drop?

[Laysula]

Piece of flat bar with two bolts through will make a decent tool. A 1 ton builders bag can be used to "catch" the rudder.

[GeoffV]

The rudder key is out. Used my grips at the centre of it.
The I used my Dremel engraver set on high vibe at the top and bottom of the key 3 secs each as I started the third vibrate it came out. (Found that trick on the internet both from jewellers and amateur clock repairers to loosen tight fittings.

I have now finished the rig to drop and lift the rudder.

Monday morning the fun really begins as I will start thumping.

Photos of rig to follow ...

[GeoffV]

Tuesday morning and still no joy getting the bloody thing to move.......

[MagicalArmchair]

Ha, so the key is out, it's just the rudder drop you are struggling with? Do check out my article as I was wailing on the top of my rudder with a club hammer for a long time before it started to move.

Do not be lulled into a false sense of security - once it goes, it goes fast! Make sure you don't drop it.

[GeoffV]

It's out!!!!

Had to break out the lower lip of the bearing ball, keep moving the rudder back and forth, as bearing rollers started to come down -broke them and pulled them out. With 90% out it finally released.

The rudder has a cross bar that in the centre section void at top of the rudder. So, I put an 8mm halyard through that linked to my 3 pulley lift system and lowered the rudder.

Currently cutting the lower bearing relief channel.

As as I get the time I will post the pictures.

[CrossedThreads]

I've arrived too late to help Geoff however when I removed a stuck rudder I found the hammering with a club hammer was largely ineffective as there is some flex in the hull which absorbs the force. Two wedges driven from either side of the rudder proved more effective (coupled with aforementioned hammering)

[GeoffV]

Tried that to no avail.

Yesterday got the top bearing out through the deck opening. Cleaned the old grease out.
Removed the shrunken sika flex around the rudder stock to cut a channel around the stock for fresher sikaflex.

Todays job is remove the corrosion from the lower bearing casing.

Then Back to other work while awaiting for Jefa to reply to my email of 5 days ago regarding the bearings.