Repair to E40 Rudder
Date: April 28, 1999
From: Sam Woolsey samwoolsey@aol.com
I am looking for drawings showing the rudder shaft, stuffing box, and bearings on the Endeavour 40. The rudder shaft is stainless and 1-3/4" in diameter. I am also looking for a source for a replacement for the lower rudder bushing (or bearing). The bushing is in two halves held in place on the skeg by a stainless strap. It appears to be made of nylon.
Any ideas on the original source, or a source for a replacement? The one I have has almost 3/16" lateral and 1/16 fore/aft play. I suspect that I will find another bearing where the shaft exits the hull but, will have to drop the rudder to find out. Any information you can pass along would be appreciated. Sailing season is upon us.
Date: May 10, 1999
From: Phil & Monica flipper1@erols.com
I removed my rudder two years ago to address a slight play in the post, replace the hose to the packing gland, laminate over some stress cracks in the skeg, correct a poorly installed thru gland, and to re-establish a good clearence between the hull and the top of the rudder. I did this job in conjunction with rebeding the stern tube for the propeller shaft and installing a mechanical seal on the prop shaft. (My wife and I live aboard and haul outs average every 4 years) I was able to correct the play in the rudder by removing the clam shells (steel bars) cleaning them up and determining how much play I actualy had between the shaft diameter and the inside diameter of the lower bearing surfaces. As it turned out the additional play was induced by excessive caulking between the skeg and the bearing. A less liberal application of 3M 5200 and adequate tightening of the bars solved the problem. If the diameter had remained excessive after cleaning, I might have been forced to have two new bars machined. Good luck!
