Hobie Forums
http://www.hobie.com/forums/

Lubricating Tiller Connectors
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=25749
Page 1 of 1

Author:  oerterch [ Mon May 31, 2010 6:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Lubricating Tiller Connectors

I have the newer (model 1957) tiller connectors on my boat and the piece attached to the tiller arm is supposed to swivel, however mine are really tight and when sailing produces a "notchy" feel and groaning sounds (for lack of better words). So, I'm looking for some suggestions on how to lubricate them, and what to use.

I was thinking about putting a plastic bag over the tiller end and pitting silicone lubricant in and letting it seep into the joints, but wanted to see if there were any other ideas out there.

I sail in fresh water, and launch off a lawn, so salt/sand aren't an issue.

Charlie

Author:  mmiller [ Wed Jun 02, 2010 10:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Lubricating Tiller Connectors

Could be the rivit is mis-placed and catching the inside. It is supposed to align in a groove in the plastic fitting. You might consider re-riviting.

Author:  oerterch [ Wed Jun 02, 2010 10:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Lubricating Tiller Connectors

Interesting, I'll have to drill one out and see what it looks like. How easy should they be to twist?

Author:  mmiller [ Thu Jun 03, 2010 7:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Lubricating Tiller Connectors

Very easily. No friction really.

Author:  oerterch [ Thu Jun 03, 2010 2:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Lubricating Tiller Connectors

Removed the rivet on one, it appeared to be in the correct place. Looks like the issue is a really tight fit. I cleaned the inside of the tiller arm and the plastic end piece. Also checked for any molding marks or burs on the plastic, didn't find any.

The end piece doesn't just slip back into the aluminum tube, has to be forced, and even without the rivet, is hard to twist in the tube. Looks like there just isn't enough clearance.

The very end of the connector (past the rivet) measures 29/32". The main section measures 30/32". The ID of the tube also measures 30/32".

Charlie

Author:  mmiller [ Thu Jun 03, 2010 4:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Lubricating Tiller Connectors

Hummm... can you sand it down? I'd not heard this one before. What is the vintage of the boat and kit?

Author:  oerterch [ Thu Jun 03, 2010 8:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Lubricating Tiller Connectors

I purchased the boat new around September 2009, its a 2010 model. The tillers, connectors and cross bar are all stock.

Author:  mmiller [ Fri Jun 04, 2010 8:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Lubricating Tiller Connectors

OK... I'll have to check with the factory to confirm the fit in production. Thanks for the heads up.

Author:  oerterch [ Fri Jun 04, 2010 9:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Lubricating Tiller Connectors

No Problem. I wrapped some sand paper (fine) around the section between the rivet slot and end with the connector. twisted it a few times then tested the fit. Had to do it a few times to get it to where is was slightly snug, but no free-play. Now to re-rivet and do the other.

Charlie

Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/