2006 24v which rudder seal

[malmz]

My boat is in AZ, I am in CA, does anybody have a heads up on what seal kit I need for the rudder? I am not even sure if it is seals/grease or rope, but I do know there was beige goop (grease or wax) on the floor under the rudder area. My steering has been getting stuck when sitting, pops loose and is ok, but it may also be time to have a steering cable ready too. I want to arrive with the parts I need, no fun going back and forth to the Havasu store or waiting for deliveries when I go to fix it up. I will also be armed with new hoses, new thermostat, and the cleaned up manifold housing I brought home last trip.

[duffymahoney]

I would definitely try greasing it first. I believe it's a rope, but totally depends on the year, there should be a model number on it, marine hardware makes them. Here is a post about rebuilding them. https://www.wakegarage.com/projects-...-rebuild-r162/

[malmz]

Here are some old picture if it helps. I don't think greasing will help as there is grease (or wax) on the ground already so whatever was in there is coming out. I didn't think they were still using rope seals in the 2000s. I see reference to a 1" rudder shaft now on this vintage Tige, not the 1 1/8". That would be good to verify but I am too far away to put a caliper on it. I am trying to dig up more old photos since I am 6 hours away from the boat.
tigerudder.jpgtigerudder2.jpg

[malmz]

I have some kit supplier responses. Not a rope, I can see the zerk as well. I guess the keyway screw shows it is a MH and one source says those are all 1". I am getting closer. Btw duffymahoney, I would guess yours is the same as we are only 1 year off and both 24v. Are you close to the boat to verify the shaft size and/or see if the flange under the boat is stamped?

[malmz]

Just a follow up. I had verified with TRD Ski Parts Online which kit to purchase based on the above pictures. Sales said the lower white bush would not be used, no problem. Received it, and made the trip to AZ last weekend. I dropped the rudder and rudder box for rebuild, fun times especially at 113 in but in the shaded garage.
Anyway, long story short, the 2006 24V box is a little different. There is no rubber shaft seal, there is no circlip to hold in that seal. It does use two o-rings and zerk (in the kit) but the upper white bushing is too tall inside the upper cup, so without modification it will not fit. The extra height puts a bad load on the bushing flange where the tiller rides, and the pinch bolt will not go it so it cannot be used this way. For now I have the new o-rings in, zerk in, and old bushing in which didn't look horrible but I am sure the ID is worn which could cause issues with the o-rings. Monday I sent this information to sales for guidance, as of today Thursday there has been zero response. The upper bushing could be machined down about 1/8", but it needs to be flat and I did not have anything in AZ to do that. So out of the $75 kit I have currently used two o-rings and a zerk.. I did get a bunch of other projects done on the boat and trailer regardless.
rudderboxtop.jpg
rudderbushing.jpg