I dropped my rudder for repairs some 10 years ago and to my recollection, the 34 system does not have a lower bushing or bearing. Rather is just a close tolerance fiberglass tube. The outside of the tube is braced by fiberglass struts to the interior of the hull. Top of the tube ends about a foot or so from underside of cockpit floor to provide space for steering quadrant and be well above water line. Shaft continues up through cockpit floor square cast bronze fitting held in place by 4 bolts. Fitting hole for rudder shaft is also close tolerance so threads for donut ride on hole edges. This is the real issue as over time the threads enlarge the fitting hole allowing the rudder post to wobble. Hence the solution to remove the fitting and insert a new bushing.
On a related note, the tube should have a threaded hole for a grease cup. Ensure that is working so you can insert grease as part of normal maintenance. I replace the cup with a hydraulic hose with fittings so I could insert grease from the locker and not have to crawl back there Best of luck John Read 1982 C&C 34 From: Korbey Hunt via CnC-List Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2023 1:45 PM To: Stus-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Cc: Hoyt, Mike <mike.h...@impgroup.com>; Korbey Hunt <kampf2...@hotmail.com> Subject: Stus-List Re: Tiller Wobble Thank you. It would be difficult to access anything in the space below the cockpit. Where can I purchase a replacement bearing? Are there two that need replacement? Get Outlook for Android <https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg> _____ From: Hoyt, Mike via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com <mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2023 10:41:35 AM To: 'Stus-List' <cnc-list@cnc-list.com <mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > Cc: Hoyt, Mike <mike.h...@impgroup.com <mailto:mike.h...@impgroup.com> > Subject: Stus-List Re: Tiller Wobble On Persistence website www.hoytsailing.com <http://www.hoytsailing.com/> at the bottom of the page is a link to the rudder bearing replacement project that we undertook two years ago. Different boat but much of it will be similar. At least you will not have to deal with a steering quadrant and a bunch of cables so access should be better. We found that the lower bearing (was in fact a bushing) had screws holding it in place that we did not find until we cut out the old bearing. Look closely for these screws while you are enjoying all the comforts of crawling around in your cockpit locker! Mike Hoyt Persistence Halifax, NS www.hoytsailing.com <http://www.hoytsailing.com> From: John Read via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com <mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > Sent: April 20, 2023 2:35 PM To: Stus-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com <mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > Cc: John Read <johnprea...@gmail.com <mailto:johnprea...@gmail.com> > Subject: Stus-List Re: Tiller Wobble Check bearing where rudder post comes through cockpit floor just under tiller fitting. It wears over time allowing wobble. Had issue with my 82 34. Fix was done on the hard. Support rudder. Remove bearing. Machine shop inserted bronze bearing. Reinstall. John Read On Thu, Apr 20, 2023, 1:23 PM Korbey Hunt via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com <mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > wrote: I have a 1980 34 C&C that has developed a profound tiller wobble while under power . Has anyone else had this experience? What is the remedy. I plan to haul out in June to inspect. Get Outlook for Android <https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg> Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help me pay the associated bills. Make a contribution at: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray Thanks for your help. Stu
Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help me pay the associated bills. Make a contribution at: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray Thanks for your help. Stu