LM27 rudder bearings

[shindig]

Good evening everyone.  My rudder stock is rattling about due to excessive play in the bushing.  I have removed the rudder from the shaft but can anyone advise me how to remove the bushes and any other things I should know before tackling this job.  Many thanks.  
Shindig

Plea: Surely there's a member with some knowledge on this.  The thought of getting a yard engineer to sort it is terrifying.

[pengwyn]

Hi shindig,

at least two types of rudders have been installed in the LM27. I just can refer to the becker-type rudder (which is installed in my lm27). The rudder stock is made of a solid rod of stainless steel, guides in a tube. This rod is connected to the rudder by a slightly conical bolt. also at the connection to the tiller you will find that kind of bolt, which is secured by a nut. If the bolt becomes loose, either in upper position or under water close to the rudder, unprecise control of the rudder as well as noise will result. also the rudder is fixed in its lower position by the piece of iron, which is fixed with 3 screws to the hull. in this connection point, there is some sort of plastic tube (teflon?) serving as a bearing. close to the tiller you will find the same piece of plastic, having the same function. If this plastic is worn out (upper or lower position), a rattling noise might occur. unfortunately the bearing-plastic tubes seem to be accesible only after complete dismantling of the rudder. I think jandane has already published in this forum a source, where the special bolts could be purchased in danmark. unfortunately i have no idea, where to get the teflon bearings from.

regards & happy sailing
PenGwyn

[jandane]

There are 4 nylon bushings on a LM 27 rudder shaft. After having removed the rudder, simply drive out the shaft. The bushings are on stock at Masnedø Marine in Vordingborg/Denmark. In DK another, bigger rudder for the 27s is becoming more and more popular. You can buy it by one of the members of the Danish LMklub if you want. It looks as here:

[oceandancer]

Hi Jan, Regarding removal of the rudder shaft. is there space to remove this by driving the shaft downwards, ( in the yard my boat usually sits on 5 inch blocks ) or can you remove it by driving it upwards from below. Also, do the bushings remain on the shaft or do you have to drive them out separately.

Regards

Mick

[jandane]

Hi Mick
I have never serviced the rudder on my previously owned LM27, so I posted your question on the Danish Facebook page.
Here is a reply:
It has to go up about 20-30mm. You can remove the pin, and bracket, then the shaft goes up a bit.
If needed you can remove the 2 bolts at the top/on the deck so it moves the required millimeters. 😊

Then, I will recommend you to apply for membership of the Danish Facebook group “LM klubben”. We do have several non-danes as members and they do fine by asking in english