E38 rudder post grease fittings?

[rwthomas1]

Hey, this may be a dumb question but where are the grease fittings on the rudder post of a '83 E38? I have looked and can't seem to find them.... Not the most accessible area as you can imagine. Thanks, RT

[footrope]

Hey Rob,

Just as a data point, I looked for one a few weeks ago and I didn't find one on my rudder post. I am trying to decide what to do about it. Looks like I would need to drop the rudder to grease or to add a grease fitting. Thinking about a few other jobs under there while I'm on the beach.

[Steve]

:) My 84 35-3 is likely the same rudder set-up as the pre-200 series 38's. My only fitting was facing forward at the very bottom of the rudder log/tube. None at the top, and of course behind the water heater. You could just "feel" it from the aft locker reaching in, after removing the bulk head that protects the steering quadrant, try a mirror. When I changed out the HWH I was able to get a good look and modify. If it hasn't been used in some time you may find some rusty outcropping that doesn't resemble a Zerk any more. This will require drilling out and re tapping the hole if you can't get it out conventionally. I believe this area is a few inch's below water line. We ended up adding a rubber extension grease hose to make regular greasing easy from the aft locker.

[ted_reshetiloff]

My 38 is a 1989 200 series boat and it has 2 fittings. One is located where the arrow in Steves diagram for Rudder Post points to, facing aft. There is another up where the post goes through the deck for the emergency tiller. I needed to shim my rudder post when I first got my boat. I dropped the rudder by myself, using an automotive type jack stand for help. I used 6" wide .005" thick bronze shim stock from Mcmaster Carr. When I reinstalled I liberally applied grease by hand. I have since discovered that the lower zirc is seized and have not gotten to replacement. It is on the list with new engine cables... I guess my point here is if you are on the hard its not that tough to handle dropping the rudded and greasing by hand. This rudder tube is most likely underwater any time the boat is sailed or motored near hull speed and adding more holes may not be the most favored solution anyway. I am not so sure squeezing grease into the rudder tube will ensure it gets to the bearings anyway... Probably a good time to repack the stuffing box on the rudder tube too...

[rwthomas1]

Thanks All!
Depending on point of sail the rudder/steering is making a groaning noise. Sometimes when turning the wheel, sometimes from wave action so I was looking to grease it if possible. The boat is going to be stored in-water for the winter so if the zerk is there but crusty it will have to wait. Doing a quick haul next June to paint the bottom and the rudder greasing will have to wait until then. Thanks, RT

[Loren Beach]

And while you are spending some quality time relaxing under the cockpit... be sure to check the two sheaves for wear at their bearings on their axles. These are the ones that turn the cables 90 degrees, under the pedistal.
That's where I found and fixed a problem earlier this summer on our '88 model. My photos are part of this recent thread:
http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexchange/showthread.php?t=3473&referrerid=28

Best,

Loren