Replacing JP3 Rudder Bearing Housing and Tube
Вставка
- Опубліковано 21 січ 2022
- This video shows the process we used to remove and install the JP3 rudder bearing lower housings (size 10.14), rudder tubes, seal carriers, and bearings in our Leopard 46 catamaran. This was done because the bearings were seized into place inside the housing, the housing were badly corroded, and there was a slight leak at the base of one tube. The parts seen in this video were about 15 years old and presumably not well maintained before our ownership. It is recommended to replace the bearings (just the bearing, not the housing) around every 3 years. We are by no means experts on the JP3 system, although we did get advice from the experts before making the repair ourselves. Hopefully this video will show you what to expect if you need to do this job yourself. Total the job took about two days to do (it is a catamaran, so everything shown was done twice). The replacement of the upper rudder bearing housing was also performed but is not shown as this is very straightforward and can be done while the rudders are dropped (however, suggest bedding with 4200 instead of 5200 for upper housing).
We purchased these parts in the US from Niall Rafferty at Custom Yacht Outfitters. Outside the US you can also purchase the parts from International Boat Spares online.
Excellent video - very helpful. And kudos to you - nice job
This is super helpful as I'm on the hard now trying to get old JP3 pieces out of 2018 L40... the biggest challenge is getting the spare parts - right now I'm told the spares are weeks or months out so no Sawsall action here. There were 3 Leopards in a row here (Tortola BVI) doing this repair - all less than 5 year old boats! For those who haven't delved in to this yet, those Delrin bearings swell up in water and then seize against the rudder - in other words kind of inevitable that they will seize... Fantastic step by step, very much appreciated! thank you!
I think it is really important to stick to the 3 year bearing replacement schedule JP3 recommends to avoid issues. Most of us just ignore the bearings until there is a noticeable problem, and then it's too late and the housing are trashed too. Also, some materials will swell, but JP3 claims their material doesn't; so, I know people have had issues when asking a machinist to make them new bearings out of Delrin as it's not the right material to use for the job.
Great video thanks for taking the time to show other people. Very Very informative
Great explanation. I did both my fittings in October while on the hard.
I’m just beginning this project in my L39. Great help. Thanks.
Glad it could help you! Good luck!
Thanks for the video. Great job explaining the process.
Well done video! Wish I had this when I owned an L46!
Great video!
Good video!!! What i did is i had the ring that holds the rudder with the screw going through it, made 2-3 times higher ( there is enough space!!), because it breaks right where the screw goes through the plastic. So this is what i would suggest to do...
Where did you get the fiberglass tubes made. We're in Florida Fort Lauderdale area
Incredibly helpful. Thanks so much!
Should you bond that new housing to a sacrificial anode somewhere? My bearing and housing are stuffed because of electrolysis and pitting.
Not sure... JP3 does not mention doing this in any of their literature but you could certainly ask them!
I wander if you make the same mistake again, applying aluminium housing again. Jefa is having the same parts in polyurethane. So, no corrosion, which means no oxide between the bearings, less friction and long lasting. Apart from this, you do not need to apply anode wiring to keep the aluminium sleeve in condition. I want to mention one useful hint here,- be aware what kind of antifoul you are applying as corrosion is progressive with antifouls that contain copper. That way you have a combination of stainless still, and copper that is etching aluminium by electrolysis.