Whitlock steering

[Fogg 427]

Anyone got experience with Whitlock steering systems, notably the gears in the pedestals and how often they need opening up for inspection/cleaning. MIne has got a bit 'goo-ey' with the odd clunking sound coming from it.

[Guest]

We have one. I think ours is called Cobra. It was good for the first 65 000nm. Then it was not accurate anymore. We took it to pieces, installed 4 new bearings (2 each axel) and it has been good for another 35 000nm. The gears don't show any wear even now. Steering is accurate and smooth. The replacement of the bearings was few hours job. The bearings were imperial sizes and were hard to find in Europe, that was the only problem. Change the bearings before they start to wear out the aluminium around them, because then you have more broblems. I have opened it every few years for inspection and greasing but it has been ok. Good system, just hard to get replacement parts as Lewmar bought the company.

[Gappy 9]

Aileys

 

Whip the top off and have a look make sure the seal isn't perished where the sheel shaft goes through or theres no rust stain seeping out. If you take the top off and hold the rack and try and move it from side to side or up and down any movement your should replace the bearings. Also check under the deck grab the lever give it the same wobble around also take the drag link off and your wheel off and move the lever back and forth and see how smooth it is and check for play in the rack it may just need reshimming.

 

Bearing kits and seal kits are easy to get and cheap also

 

Any questions drop me a line I have all the drawings if you want them

 

Cheers

 

Gappy

[Fogg 427]

Thanks. Sounds like I have some dismantling work on my hands...