Replacing the Rudder Bearings

Pictures by Alvin Maiden (Nomad IV #139)
click on pictures to get a better view

1. Get the rudder out

a. Dig very large hole underneath rudder. If you think it is deep enough, dig some more, or;
b. get Yard to hoist boat a few feet
c. Disconnect the through-bolt in the tiller boss
d. Drop rudder. It is heavy so be careful

2. Remove old upper and lower bearings. The top bearing will come out heasily by hand. The lower bearing will be stuck in the rudder shaft tube. It is NOT glued in and you should not use anything to glue in the new one. It should be a simple compression fit. Use a piece of PVC pipe or a long piece of wood smaller than the tube, but larger than the bearing to knock out the bearing from above. This will be the most difficult part of the whole process (besides digging the hole)... but its not that bad.

3. Reinstall lower bearing. You should be able to push in the new lower bearing from below. It will be a tight fit. If you use a hammer, make sure you protect the bearing with a 2x4 and hit it evenly. Don't force it too much... it should go in fairly easily.

4. Install O-rings on the top bearing and insert from the top.

5. Install washer on top

6. Put the rudder back in from the bottom and support it with something while you re-attach the tiller boss with the through bolt.