Rudder is too loose ?

[chipgibbs]

I have a Cheetah with a Rudder that's too loose. I have adjusted every set screw with no benefit. It is the stainless pivot pin in bronze bushings that is the problem. The pin rattles in the bronze bushings. They were not reamed to fit tightly.

I have thought about trying to smack them between an anvil and hammer to swell them a bit.

Is there another remedy?

Thanks for any help

CG3

[siberianhusky]

I've had two completely different cheap rudders do the exact same thing out of the bag, one was so bad the bottom of the blade had close to 1/2" back and forth at the bottom.
New bushings or make a new shaft. Or do what I did - replaced it with a better quality one!
I don't use much of any chinese hardware anymore, QC just isn't up to par with Speedmaster.
I also find the lower quality aluminum they use doesn't sharpen as nicely.

[chipgibbs]

FIXED....I used a center punch on each end of the pivot pin. Tried it a few times until the fit was perfect. No more sloppy rudder.

CG3

[Chilli]

Looking forward to tomorrow Chip!! I'm going to bring the two 2 Lap boats to check the set up and Johns 2 heat racers to knock the cob webbs off of them.

[chipgibbs]

I'm ready. Just gotta charge up some batteries tonight.

[785boats]

Here's something that works on those sloppy pins & bushes. I know it sounds tacky but it works. I've done it to more than a few.
Disconnect the linkage from the rudder.
Put some drops of thin CA glue (not medium) onto all the moving surfaces & on the ends of the pin.
I find it best to put some on the bottom of the pin first & give the rudder a bit of a wiggle to work it in, followed by the two joins between the rudder & the bracket then place the boat on the stand & put some on the top of the pin & work it in.
Now keep moving the rudder from side to side 30 degrees or so in a smooth easy motion trying not to wobble it, just pivot it. You will need to do this for about a minute or the rudder will stick when you stop.
When you do stop, give it another few wiggles about 20 seconds later just to make sure it hasn't stuck.
If it still feels a bit wobbly, repeat the process.
If it feels good, apply a few drops of light oil to all the moving parts & the top of the pin and work it in by moving the rudder from side to side.
You may need to repeat the process in 6 months or so.
Or as has been suggested, buy a better rudder.
A couple of drops of light oil should be used on all rudders at the start of each days running anyway to prolong their life. Both old & new ones.