rudder post construction

[annef53]

Hi All,
I was out last weekend in the SF Bay and heard a slapping sound below the helm. I removed the cover plate to where the emergency rudder connects and saw that there was some play side to side in the post(or whatever I was staring at that sits on top of it). Back at the slip I removed the panels in the quarter berth to reveal the steering bits and pieces. Just below the radial quadrant there is a collar with a large set screw and below that the fiberglass housing that surrounds the rudder post. In that there appears to be a gap partially filled with what might be packing material found in a stuffing box. This pass thru area is where the "play" is coming from. Can anyone tell me what I'm looking at, what to do about it, and finally, why am I down here on such a beautiful day?
Anne

[annef53]

I should add that my boat is the 31-2 from 1987.

[annef53]

upon further inspection I found that the housing I described is only that(part of the interior liner). Behind that is what appears to be a fiberglass tube housing through which the rudder stock travels on its way to the hull outlet. Then at the point where that tube ends and the rudder stock comes out just below the quadrant, there is a white 'Marlon" bushing. That is where I have found about a 1/4" of play.
Any opinions about this play and if I need to replace the bushing?

[Rusty Pelican]

Is your rudder a spade or a skeg hung rudder?
If spade, the rule of thumb is no movement of the rudder at all.
With a skeg hung you can live with 1/4 paly

[annef53]

Spade. I was planning a haul out late August. I would really like to get in some summer sailing. Any suggestions for a temp fix?I though about drilling a hole through the fiberglass housing in 3 places or so and injecting a stiff mix of epoxy mixed with glass to shim bushing in place. I know I will have to grind all that out when I do the replacement but I thought I could buy a few months.