The Importance of a Maintaining Rudder Bearing
                     The Importance 
Of A Maintaining 
Rudder Bearing
Each machine must have a maintained and durable part to
work correctly. Determining how to maintain engine parts
such as Flexible disc coupling, mounts and gears is essential
as it makes your vehicle or boat function properly.
The 
Having Rudder bearings makes steering your boat easier.
Importance They also help to increase your speed while sailing. And
Of A while it usually takes five to six years before the need to
replace them, checking for damages and possible hazards is
Maintaining always crucial.
Rudder What is a Rudder Bearing?
Bearing Rudder bearings are intended to support the rudder weight,
allow the stock to turn freely, and accommodate the rudder
stock deflection. Rudder bearing allows the transfer force
with minimum frictional losses between the rudder and
rudder stock/pintle.
2
During replacement, an interference fit is used to attach
rudder bearings. It can be press-fit, freeze-fit, or bonding-
fitted.
The A good interference fit will prevent the bearing from rotating
under normal operating conditions. The bearing's size and
Importance the temperature at which it will work will affect the level of
Of A interference. Cold operations may require additional
interference. Low interference could lead to the bearing
Maintaining coming loose from the housing.
Rudder Tips on Rudder Bearing Maintenance
Bearing If you have a boat with a rudder stock made of aluminum,
you should avoid copper alloys, such as bronze, as they are
incompatible with aluminum. You also should not use
aluminum as a grid material for composite rudders.
3
As aluminum is prone to corrosion, it will rust in a stuffing
box environment and be especially susceptible to
The deterioration if exposed to water. Making sure that the
aluminum is dry to avoid rust. It is also essential to
Importance maintain proper airflow through the aluminum stock.
Of A If you are using a fixed race ball bearing on your rudder,
Maintaining you should always check to ensure that it is greasedthoroughly. If not, the bearing will rust and will eventually
Rudder fail. While for roller bearings on the lower rudder, you
should also inspect them at least once a year. They can
Bearing break catastrophically and can cause the rudder seal to fail.
This leads to costly repairs. You can also replace a rudder
seal if the seal has cracked.
4
When replacing a rudder bearing, you should inspect the
rudder stock and the steering system before installation or
The replacement. Check for signs of rust, fishhooks, and debris.
Importance You should also check the steering pulleys for play. If thesteering feels strange, the rudder may rub against the hull.
Of A Poly Flex has been a known manufacturer of high-quality
Maintaining marine engine parts. Visit their website to learn more.
Rudder 
Bearing
5
The Importance 
Of A Maintaining 
Rudder Bearing