Rudder issue 28 express 2001

[don602]

Hello to all,
I think I understand 90% of the rudder set up. The rudder shaft goes thru the hull, with a backing plate
on the bottom of the the hull and a stuffing box on top. It is supported, protected and pivots on the metal scag from the keel.
First question- I know what a bearing is on a car engine, when it is connected to a shaft. Where is the rudder bearing that I see mentioned in other post?

Second question, anyone know the exact replacement of the stuffing box? if I need to do that.

The issue I am having is the rudder being frozen. The steering was very stiff but did move and the system needed the steering fluid and that helped a little. Ten days latter the steering was not working right, had to use the bow thruster. I looked at the Seastar cylinder and saw leakage, so my bother in law and I rebuilt it. No leakage around the stuffing box.

When we reassembled the system, we found the rudder was frozen. I jumped in the water (south Florida) holding on to the dive platform, and tried to move the rudder with my feet,no luck.

Let me start by asking what the issue may be?

Thanks

Don

[efishnsea]

Maybe look at the stuffing box nut and make sure its not too tight. Bob

[jleonard]

I would first disconnect the cylinder and see if/how the rudder moves by hand from inside using the rudder arm. If it is still stuck, then I would back off the packing nut until water starts comming in, then try again after it "flushes" for a few seconds. Maybe work it back and forth until it gets easier to move if you get to that point.
Based on how that all works out, continue depending on what you discover.

[RobS]

......I know what a bearing is on a car engine, when it is connected to a shaft. Where is the rudder bearing that I see mentioned in other post?
Don

The rudder shoe bearing is in the shoe at the base of the rudder. Click on photo to see my arrow better

[jleonard]

Think of it as a bushing as that's what it really is.
Or think of it as a bearing with no balls.

Sorry guys, I used to work for a bearing company

[RobS]

It's a bearing, but not a rollerbearing..

[don602]

......I know what a bearing is on a car engine, when it is connected to a shaft. Where is the rudder bearing that I see mentioned in other post?
Don

The rudder shoe bearing is in the shoe at the base of the rudder. Click on photo to see my arrow better

Thanks for taking the time to making your explanation so clear.

Don

[don602]

Thanks to all- I now understand where the bearing is, the rudder does not move with the cylinder disconnected. I am using penetrating oil to loosen the stuffing box nut.
Don