BAVARIA 44 STEERING BACKLASH

[luca64]

Hi,
I have about 10° backlash in the steering system of my bavaria 44 (2004).
Can someone explain how to fix it?
Thanks.

[Happysailor]

Hi Luca, for people who are not known to the steering system of the Bavaria 44, could you send more information about the problem? If I understand it well, it is a whitlock wire system, twin wheel operation? (Or Cobra system with rods?) What kind of backlash are you talking about, as there can be many! Is the backlash with manual steering that you need to turn the wheel 10 degrees before the rudder starts to turn, or over 10 degrees rudderangle you have backlash, or are the steeringwheels themselves having fwd/ bwd backlash (steeringwheel bearings issue) Usually if a wire systems, these do not have much play and steer quite direct (Jefa even better than the Whitlock/ Lewmar), did you already inspect the whole system for any wear and/ or damages, tension on the wires (if a wire system and not a cobra system with rods)?

[luca64]

Hi Happysailor,
thank you very much for your kind reply.
I will upload some pictures of my steering system and I answer to your right questions within tomorrow. Thanks again. Luca

[Jake]

My 2004 Bav44 has chains that attach each wheel (two wheels) to the main steering system.  There is an adjusting nut mechanism on each chain.  It is easy to take out the play in the system, if this is your problem.  Check both sides, as both chains do wear over time, albeit slowly.  Don't tighten them too much or steering effort will become bothersome.

Jake

[Happysailor]

Hi Jake, yes that confirms my thoughts indeed if having a whitlock/ lewmar system with chains and spanners. Only if this is the backlash mentioned in the original question..

[luca64]

Hi and thank you all for your replies.
Unfortunately, due to lack of time, I haven't been able to go on board yet and take photos of the system as Happysailor requested.
I hope to be able to go on the boat this weekend and will check all your suggestions and let you know.
Thanks again everyone.
Ciao