Whitlock Steering Maintenance guidance needed

[Anthony Iacono]

 Toward the end of last season, I started hearing a clicking sound at the Whitlock steering wheel on my 1997 J/42. As best I can tell, the noise seems to be coming from inside the pedestal, although it may be coming from below. I also feel slight resistance in the wheel at certain times.

The boat has the original Whitlock steering mechanism. I’m not at the boat now and I’m not certain of the equipment but from an online search think, It may be a Whitlock Cobra premier rack and pinion staring system with a custom quadrant 1.4:1 gearing ratio. Does that sound right?  I know Whitlock is no longer around. 

Has anyone experienced something similar with a Whitlock?  If so, what was the cause, and how did you fix it?

Before I or the yard start taking things apart, I’d like to find the correct owner’s manual and, ideally, an internal diagram, parts breakdown, or schematic of the steering mechanism. Any leads to the right manual or drawings would be greatly appreciated.

Tony Iacono Affinity

[WSC]

I did a bunch of research and some "fixes" based on similar issues.  Enclosed is the whitlock premier model (Monarch) that was OEM with VIDA.   It's not to hard to do some initial troubleshooting - just remove the compass and you get a good look at how it works.  Cliff at https://www.facebook.com/WhitlockSteering/ and his team seem to be the only ones left with some parts and service info/advice.  

Sean C / VIDA J42 #1

[Anthony Iacono]

Thank you Sean

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[Dennis Boyd]

Sean, 

Thank you too.   I have a feeling i am going to ordering some parts.   This is very timely. 

Dennis 

Jaywalker J/42 #6

[WSC]

Parts are very scarce.  The one everyone wants (including me) is the gear quadrant and I've been looking for years.  If you find it I'll pay you 2x, but you won't want to sell it at that point!  lol.