Lewmar steering squeak

[moonshadow]

I have been hearing a squeak from the steering wheel on my 2014 SO469 when the wheel is turned by hand or autopilot. I figure it’s time to lubricate and inspect the system, chain, bearings etc. I have been looking online for information and can’t seem to find anything. There are some good videos on the Edson systems that seem to start with removing the compass on top for access but nothing on the Lewmar systems. Does anyone have information on how to approach cleaning, inspecting, and lubricating Lewmar steering systems?

[sitara]

There is a good chance it will be the turning blocks under the cockpit floor. These are probably a plain sheave on a pin. You should be able to access them from the rear cabins (at least on my boat). Good luck, can be a most annoying squeak.

[moonshadow]

Thanks. That area is on the list and easy to access. So it will likely be first. But I’m still hoping to find info on accessing the internal mechanism inside the pedestal for the bearings and chains inside.
It seems odd that it’s hard to find online.

[MalcolmP]

I agree with Sitara, the most likely culprit will be the sheaves. Don't be tempted to use WD40 it will just wash the grease out. If you slacken the wires on the quadrant, you will then be able to pull the sheave pins out to regrease.

Regarding access to the chain, on our previous 34.2 you could take off the compass (care not to break the compass light wires) to get to the chain and upper sprocket.

This manual may help: usermanual.wiki/Document/ConstellationSteeringManual.558272602/view

Onn your 469 it looks like the compass is offset, but I suspect that removing the compasses will allow you at least some partial access to the sprocket and chain.

[ohana]

I also have a steering squeak on my 2012 439, fairly certain it’s coming from a lip seal or similar on the wheel boss mounting. On the todo list but not annoying enough yet. The sheaves are all too far away from the cockpit area to hear a squeak from them. Like you I sure, I check the steering system thoroughly each year, and all sheaves are free from corrosion and well greased.

[moonshadow]

I finally figured out how to access the hidden crews on the platismo compass and got access to the steering chain. Easy to disconnect the compass light wire but not so easy to plug it back together. Eventually removed the rear bulkhead from the locker and got access to the plug and the sheaves on each side. No squeak now when still. Will see what happens when under sail.

[Trevor]

I also have a squeak in the steering that sounds exactly like a whistle my wife sometimes uses to get my attention. It sounds crazy but when in tight quarters, manoeuvring with heightened emotions, that squeak drives me crazy because I sometimes think my wife is trying to urgently tell me something.

I really do need to get in and fix that. 😂😂😂

[Mistroma]

Jul 29, 2021 14:43:27 GMT moonshadow said:

I finally figured out how to access the hidden crews on the platismo compass and got access to the steering chain. Easy to disconnect the compass light wire but not so easy to plug it back together. Eventually removed the rear bulkhead from the locker and got access to the plug and the sheaves on each side. No squeak now when still. Will see what happens when under sail.

That's exactly what I did in the lockers instead of removing the compass on each side. Easy to remove a couple of screws and extract the bulkhead from the locker. I have a lot more room in the port locker as it is quite a bit deeper. I sprayed white grease into the area around the bearings as it starts off liquid and then becomes more solid. Plenty of grease on the sheaves and the squeak seemed to come from much higher up inside the binnacles. The squeak did become quieter but didn't vanish completely.

I might consider trying to remove the circular front Lewmar cover to inject some grease if the squeak becomes louder.

[moonshadow]

I had the same thought originally. But when I look at the diagram of the system it looks like those round plates keep the whole thing together. I still need to finish lubing the entire system and the rudder bearings before I can tell if I need anything else. Or, I suppose I could get professional help from someone that knows what they are doing….

[happy2sail]

We have the same problem on our 469, the wheel squeak, usually when the auto helm is engaged. Anybody find a solution to this squeak? 
Also, the lipseals need replacing. They are difficult to remove, if you know how to remove the lipseals, can you please let us know. And the lipseal size, part number and where to buy would be helpful.
Thanks, Jan