Dufour 32 Rudder shaft

[dufour32]

I've noticed the steering was getting a bit stiff lately on my Dufour 32 Classic and when I investigated I found a few things, and would like some advice. My boat has wheel steering and noticed the top bearing on the rudder post at the top the transom is starting to grind away metal (evidence on the shaft below) so I was wondering before I started ripping it apart if it is a bearing or just needed some greasing. If the later, do I need to take the fitting (where the tiller connection is) apart and repack it with grease. Anyone with a system like this have any expierience they can share would be appreciated.

Dan.

[Joujou]

I've got a problem with a completely jammed rudder discovered just before launch this year. However, there were early hints of trouble last summer when the tiller steering was noticably harder than I ever remembered. Check out my thread for all the details. Same name as this post's title.

Martin