Posted by rick_simonds (rick_simonds@…>)
There are 4 standard grease fittings (“Zerk” fittings? I think thats
what they’re called) on the rudder shaft; two (1 port and 1
starboard) on the bearing on the top and two just like them on the
shaft tube. It seems like the upper ones need grease several times a
decade, the bottom ones need grease several times a year, or more if
you can. (If the steering ever feels jerky or stiff, especially when
you have a lot of weather helm, the shaft tube grease is the prime
suspect.) Every standard grease gun fits the zerks, though a flexible
hose on the gun makes it easier to get to them.
You’ll probably see the old grease squeezing out of the top bearing
as you pump some new stuff in. On the shaft tube you won’t see
anything coming out, but my theory has always been to just pump in
lots of it. I don’t know if the extra does any good of not, but it
makes me feel better because such a it’s a PITA to get there.
Grease made for water pumps is the best, if you can find it. An
engineering friend who knows this stuff got me several tubes of pump
grease made by Lubriplate, though I can’t remember the particulars
about exactly which grade it is. About any waterproof grease would do
but I’ve heard to avoid using graphite grease in seawater because of
possible electrolysis (I don’t know if this is a wives tale or not.)
Otherwise standard trailer bearing grease should do okay.