what size flax packing is used on a 340 rudder shaft

[sfl larry]

i am looking to replace the rudder packing on my 2004 340da . but cant get an answer from searay. does anyone kinow what size it is.

 

[M Prod]

1/4” and four layers stacked is what I found ,and so 1/4” 4 layers stacked is what I repacked with new.

Old thread I know, but I couldn’t find a definitive answer in this when I was looking. Repacked both rudders today and definitely 1/4”.

 

[saopm]

Good timing...I noticed mine were dripping a little. I tried tightening the nut up, but didn’t seem to do the trick. Did you get the packing on line? Also what is involved with repacking? Loosen the nut, picked the old packing out and replace with new? Never done it, I’ll check YouTube too.

 

[M Prod]

I got some flax packing at the local marine store here. They were sold out of Teflon and I wanted to get it done. I also bought a tool that looks like a corkscrew on a bendy metal rod with a t handle. It makes getting the old stuff out so much easier. And I did it in the water with no issue.

Basically just loosen the top nut all the way up and lift it off the threading. Then push the corkscrew end of the tool in and twist with the T handle. It will burrow into the packing and you can then pull it out. Takes some wiggling and elbow grease, but not too hard. I then cut 4 new pieces of the same length. Just make sure when repacking you stagger the loose ends From one stack section to the next. Tighten the nut down by hand if you can then a few turns with the wrench to push it up in there ..then tighten the locking nut up to it. There’s some decent vids for sure but not as many as you’d think.

 

[M Prod]

These are similar to the tool I used.