Hynautic Lower Helm failure-Odd question

[carolinacoast]

The lower helm seal failed, and lost all fluid and pressure. I have read the many threads on getting a seal kit or take to a reputable construction hydraulic shop for rebuild, and I had a kit put if for me on the upper helm a few years back for $250 or so. Since I usually have the admiral/my wife aboard with young children I cannot take it apart myself (unless I can get back to the boat myself next week). So, I had a mechanic I have used before in Wilmington, NC look at it, and here comes the odd question....He says that I have play in the shaft, and that I need a new plate and bushing to hold the shaft in place or the new seal will fail quickly. He said my options are a new unit (these aren't made anymore) or a jobber that makes a new plate with bushing/bearing to install on it. My first question was, 'Is it possible that the shaft is just moving because there is no fluid or pressure in there?'. I haven't read where this issue has come up, and I don't believe the mechanic is just lying to me. He has offered to just put the seal kit in if I would like, send it out to a hydraulic shop, or just leave it alone and let me get to it. Advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Andy B]

I have only repaired the smaller units the H20 and H50 it is tight even with no fluid, if you have the H40 I beleve the parts are still avaiable ,the front cover is the only thing I beleve can be replaced
with out just buying a new helm unit also,
it holds the shaft.

 

[MV Mystery]

The parts are available at Go2Marine and the staff there is very knowledgeable. Ask for Hal.

Apparently because the shaft is stainless and the housing is aluminum, there is some wear on the housing that causes this issue. I just bought parts (and a new housing for the same reason) from them and serviced my units.

Works like new again.

Clayton

 

[sandspur1966]

Any reputable hydraulic shop will be able to rebuild the unit if you plan on R/R-ing it yourself.

If you lack time and are in North Carolina, Bruce Morrison is a terrific option. Decades of specific Hatt experience with the company and now has his own business. He travels far and wide and is uniformly well thought of both here and in the general Hatteras owners community.

I have no interest in his business other than being a very appreciative customer.

He can be reached at 252 670 8053.

 

[carolinacoast]

Thanks for all of the input. I spoke to Teleflex while you provided me other options.
They connected me with Gary Sorrenson in Franklin, NC. He has all of the parts in house to rebuild any part of the system. He thinks that the front plate with bearing probably does not need to be replaced, but he has them in stock if it does. Here is his pricing, plus shipping:

part number 900300 plate with bearing


$140 for rebuild with Teleflex seals, $98 for face plate with bearing if necessary (he said unusual). 48 hour return shipment.
marine control systems
76 may apple lane
franklin, NC 28734
828.508.4201 gary sorreson

He said anyone can bleed the system in 40 minutes, if done correctly, and to make sure to tape the hydraulic lines. Obviously don't want those reconnected incorrectly...

There are other good options that have been mentioned here that may save some $$, but I'm okay with this option with no risk about the plate/bearing and a quick turnaround.

Thanks for helping solve this one. Will knock out the removal next week.

 

[dsharp]

You can cap off the lines with brass flare plugs and run the boat if you need to.