Steering chain failure
Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 445/455/458
Forum Description: 445/455/458 Hints, Tips and News
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14094
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 03:42
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Steering chain failure
Posted By: marsella
Subject: Steering chain failure
Date Posted: 25 June 2023 at 12:46
Hi everyone, just expirienced a steering failure on my 458. After quick examination its a chain connecting steering cables completely corroded with multiple links broken or about to break (pic attached). The chain says its Donghua ss50, so not surprizing i guess  . Will try to get new one soon but the message is its an easy check of the chain condition and cables, which I totally ignored.Cheers!
PS. Luckily, the autopilot is working fine since its arm is detached from Jefa steering and so is emergency tiller of course |
Replies:
Posted By: Tranquillity
Date Posted: 25 June 2023 at 20:13
| Wow!! Should not of happened, thanks for posting. Will double check ours!! |
Posted By: S&J
Date Posted: 25 June 2023 at 23:53
|
What year is your boat? What were conditions like when it failed? ------------- H458 #159 Primal Mediterranean cruising |
Posted By: Ian Coverdale
Date Posted: 26 June 2023 at 08:04
|
Chain needs annual inspection and maintenance. Takes an a couple of hours. Our 445 chain is now ten years old and looks perfect. Jefa website has pdf on inspection/maintenance. Instruction says ... "The chain should at all times be properly greased on the complete length of the chain". We also greased the wire for corrosion protection ... don't think you can use too much grease on this system. https://bsidk.com/app/uploads/sites/12/2022/03/Jefa_wire_steering_system_maintenance_guide.pdf" rel="nofollow - https://bsidk.com/app/uploads/sites/12/2022/03/Jefa_wire_steering_system_maintenance_guide.pdf There are three sections of chain on 445; one over each steering wheel sprocket and a third under the deck ... don't miss the one under the deck. We considered buying spare last year and had a quote from Jefa ... You need to make an order for 4 x W5-200, Wire assembly 5mm x 2000mm, = € 38,- each 2 x CH5860, Chain assembly 5/8" x 600mm, = € 111,- each 1 x CH5800, 5/8" non-magnetic SS chain per meter (143mm) = € 17,- Maybe lesson is ... don't skip the maintenance! Cheers. https://bsidk.com/app/uploads/sites/12/2022/03/Jefa_wire_steering_system_maintenance_guide.pdf" rel="nofollow -
------------- Ian & Andrea SV Gabrielle (H445) Liveaboards - currently Montenegro. www.facebook.com/sailinggabrielle |
Posted By: marsella
Date Posted: 26 June 2023 at 11:22
|
Thanks for the instructions and its drawing is very helpful!! It looks however, that the access underneath of the steering pedestrals is very limited, does one need to lift the whole stand with the pedestrals to grease the mechanism? Overall, the lesson is well learned as I sure want to avoid the panic of loosing the boat control on a busy anchorage. Still not clear to me why 316 marine grade stainless steel shows so much corrosion on 3 year old boat, something I am waiting Jefa to explain. The chain on my 15 year old bicycle looks perfect without any maintenance whatsoever. |
Posted By: Arcadia
Date Posted: 26 June 2023 at 14:47
|
Not all SS steel roller chains are equal. My 588 was supplied with a US Tsubaki roller chain in SS steel. They are a Japanese premium supplier with a stellar reputation. They cost three times what Chinese suppliers cost. The quality of material used is key to superior strength and corrosion resistance. I know because I researched all this when rebuilding my system. My chain is six years old and is immaculate as far as corrosion goes. I’m not sure what Jefa is supplying these days but Donghua is not a top supplier in the industry. If you are replacing your chain, make sure you get the best. These roller chains are subject to tremendous forces in a harsh environment. Only the best will do. ------------- Leon / ARCADIA 2018 Hanse 588 Sag Harbor, NY |
Posted By: Ian Coverdale
Date Posted: 26 June 2023 at 15:04
|
Marsella, First time we inspected our chains, they had very little, almost no grease. Suspect original installer had not followed Jefa recommendations. Chain Jefa is 304 stainless which is why protective grease is important. Put it on thick and work into all areas of the link. Only way to effectively grease the chain is to remove it from pedestals through steering wheel boss hole which is fiddly and why the job takes ~2-hours. I can also guarantee the wheels will not go back in same orientation so any 'dead ahead' markers applied to wheel rims will be in wrong place! Cheers. ------------- Ian & Andrea SV Gabrielle (H445) Liveaboards - currently Montenegro. www.facebook.com/sailinggabrielle |
Posted By: marsella
Date Posted: 27 June 2023 at 00:01
|
Thanks for the tips, folks! Yes Japanese made chain sounds like a good solution to fix this, not going back to Donghua. Cheers!
|
Posted By: Arcadia
Date Posted: 27 June 2023 at 01:46
|
US Supplier https://www.grainger.com/product/TSUBAKI-Roller-Chain-Single-Strand-6L077" rel="nofollow - https://www.grainger.com/product/TSUBAKI-Roller-Chain-Single-Strand-6L077 ------------- Leon / ARCADIA 2018 Hanse 588 Sag Harbor, NY |
Posted By: Arcadia
Date Posted: 27 June 2023 at 02:22
|
Also this. Not Tsubaki, but goos Japanese option. 316 SS https://www.usarollerchain.com/50-316-Stainless-Steel-Roller-Chain-p/premium-50ss-316ss-10ft.htm" rel="nofollow - https://www.usarollerchain.com/50-316-Stainless-Steel-Roller-Chain-p/premium-50ss-316ss-10ft.htm ------------- Leon / ARCADIA 2018 Hanse 588 Sag Harbor, NY |
Posted By: quiksail
Date Posted: 27 June 2023 at 14:42
|
Thank You for posting this... I am going to check mine immediately! what year is your 458? thanks ------------- Doug S/V Comet 2019 Hanse 458 #039 Bristol RI USA |
Posted By: Wayne's World
Date Posted: 27 June 2023 at 14:55
|
Doug, In a previous post he said the boat was 3 years old. ------------- Wayne W Cruising, currently in the Pacific until the end of 2026. |
Posted By: marsella
Date Posted: 27 June 2023 at 18:35
|
My boat is Hanse 458, production year 2020, #80. Covid years, I only got it to sail starting mid 2021. Talking to Jefa, they claim that Donghua chain is made from 316 SS, still insist one needs to grease it regularly. My argument that lot of marine stuff made from 316 never shows any kind of corrosion is completely ignored. |
Posted By: Wayne's World
Date Posted: 27 June 2023 at 23:38
|
Marsella, There is one way of checking if the original chain is 316 as 316 is not magnetic. If a magnet does no stick to it then it is probably 316. If it does stick it is probably 304. Having said that there are various qualities of 316. The chemical composition of 316 is between various percentages - ie 16% to 18% of Chromium, 10% to 14% Nickle, 2% to 3% of Molybdenum and a small amount of carbon. 316SS which is at the lower end of these percentages is still classified as 316SS but is not as resistant to corrosion. Why do manufactures make lower grade 316SS because it is cheaper. The steering chain is possibly in a bad environment if it get wet with salt water and remains wet and exposed to air. I am not familiar with the layout of the steering on the 458. Our steering and auto pilot chains have some grease on them but not much and after 9 years they look like new. I cables have not been greased and I seem to remember something from Jefa saying not to grease the cables where they go through the sheaves. Again there is no rust on our cables. ------------- Wayne W Cruising, currently in the Pacific until the end of 2026. |
Posted By: marsella
Date Posted: 28 June 2023 at 00:21
|
The chain I have appears to be magnetic. So it maybe 316 of Donghua quality... I just checked with endoscope the condition of the chains inside steering pedestrals and they show no corrosion and also properly greased. It looks like the only piece that I need to replace now is the chain between the two cables under deck which is very easy. If anybody going to check the chain condition on 458, can you post how many chain links are there, I count 11 but I may have lost some. i am also going to ask Greifswald how long do I need to order. Cheers!
|
Posted By: Wayne's World
Date Posted: 28 June 2023 at 01:15
|
Marsella, If magnetic - maybe 304SS but not 316SS. ------------- Wayne W Cruising, currently in the Pacific until the end of 2026. |
Posted By: Arcadia
Date Posted: 28 June 2023 at 03:32
|
If there is any doubt at all, then I would encourage changing out to premium chain. $30-$50 per foot. Easy to replace using master links. Lewmar uses US Tsubaki in their systems. ------------- Leon / ARCADIA 2018 Hanse 588 Sag Harbor, NY |
Posted By: Ian Coverdale
Date Posted: 28 June 2023 at 06:36
|
Is 316 durable enough for this application? It is without doubt more corrosion resistant but also a very hard material and more susceptible to fatigue. I would just recommend following Jefa's annual maintenance guidance? ------------- Ian & Andrea SV Gabrielle (H445) Liveaboards - currently Montenegro. www.facebook.com/sailinggabrielle |
Posted By: Minibusdriver
Date Posted: 04 July 2023 at 18:38
|
Hi Ian Ok need to check mine on a 2021 458. Maybe I’m being a bit thick 🤨. How do I gain acess to the chain to check its condition? 1. Take the steering wheel off then remove the bulkhead steerer which presumably allows the steerer shaft to come with it? 2. Is it not possible to inspect by removing the inspection panel on the rear of the pedestal ? Cheers phil
|
Posted By: Ian Coverdale
Date Posted: 04 July 2023 at 18:50
|
Remove steering wheels from pedestals. Remove steering cables from quadrant.
Remove six allen head screws from steering wheel bearing assembly and pull chain through this hole. It is very fiddly. Don't drop chain back down steering pedestal. I cable-tie a large spanner to chain so it cannot fall back through hole while applying the grease. Cheers. ------------- Ian & Andrea SV Gabrielle (H445) Liveaboards - currently Montenegro. www.facebook.com/sailinggabrielle |
Posted By: Minibusdriver
Date Posted: 04 July 2023 at 18:55
|
Thankyou Looks like next winters job list is +1 😩
|
Posted By: Dogscout
Date Posted: 05 July 2023 at 23:59
|
Any thoughts of using Motorcycle Chain Lube on these? I have a few cans of it in the garage. I do know that my 430 of 2008 that the chain is still in good order. I have replaced the cables though. ------------- Adventure awaits |
Posted By: FalParsi
Date Posted: 06 July 2023 at 16:00
|
My center chain broke two years ago on my 505. I could reach it without removing the pedestals. I replaced it with dyneema lashings. No more lubrication needed, but I inspect it every year. ------------- 2016 Hanse 505 #120 |
Posted By: Arcadia
Date Posted: 06 July 2023 at 19:26
|
The chain usually engages with a sprocket. How does dyneema replace it ?? ------------- Leon / ARCADIA 2018 Hanse 588 Sag Harbor, NY |
Posted By: FalParsi
Date Posted: 06 July 2023 at 21:51
|
The 2 sprockets on the rudders still have chains. It is the one in the center of the steering quadrant which I replaced with dyneema. ------------- 2016 Hanse 505 #120 |
Posted By: marsella
Date Posted: 06 July 2023 at 22:40
| Yes, the only central chain has a problem, I think it is the only one that is somewhat exposed to the water since there is small gap between the hatch that covers steering quadrant and the deck. The two chains inside steering pedestrals are isolated, and factory grease stays on them for a long time. Its clear design flaw from Jefa, one can simply grease and cover the central chain with rubber or something or use dyneema, the chain just connects two cables together and goes left or right when steering, it doesnt bend or anything. |
Posted By: S&J
Date Posted: 09 July 2023 at 11:53
|
This post promoted me to take a look at my own steering. All the chain looks as new with no trace of either rust or grease. I have now applied grease and made slight adjustment in tension on the quadrant. No sign of any mark or brand on the chain itself. ------------- H458 #159 Primal Mediterranean cruising |
Posted By: Ian Coverdale
Date Posted: 09 July 2023 at 23:25
|
Interesting you too have a greaseless chain. Think this is part of problem. Installer is not following Jefa's guidance. Would expect to find chain greased as maintenance instruction. ------------- Ian & Andrea SV Gabrielle (H445) Liveaboards - currently Montenegro. www.facebook.com/sailinggabrielle |
Posted By: jlegelis
Date Posted: 01 February 2024 at 20:46
| Hi Ian - Any more guidance on how to access the chains? Does one need to remove the steering wheels, etc? |
Posted By: Ian Coverdale
Date Posted: 08 February 2024 at 23:51
|
Hi, This guide on Jefa websites tells you all you need to know ... https://www.jefa.com/ftp/steering/maintenance_guides/cable/Jefa_wire_steering_system_maintenance_guide.PDF" rel="nofollow - https://www.jefa.com/ftp/steering/maintenance_guides/cable/Jefa_wire_steering_system_maintenance_guide.PDF Yes you need to remove the wheels. Be very careful not to drop chains down into steering pedestal! Cheers. ------------- Ian & Andrea SV Gabrielle (H445) Liveaboards - currently Montenegro. www.facebook.com/sailinggabrielle |
Posted By: Minibusdriver
Date Posted: 26 February 2024 at 07:49
|
Ian Thanks for your help and advice. Inspected,cleaned and regreased the chain, wire and connections. Not a difficult job just a couple of hours. As you said ‘don’t drop the chain’!! All in good condition no signs of rust. The factory had greased the chain well in the pedestals. However the centre chain behind the rudder quadrant was not greased but fortunately in good condition. It is well greased now 🤓. I’ve added this job to the winter maintenance schedule. Once again thanks for your help. Cheers Phil
|
Posted By: Ian Coverdale
Date Posted: 26 February 2024 at 19:57
|
Awesome Phil. Peace-of-mind :-) ------------- Ian & Andrea SV Gabrielle (H445) Liveaboards - currently Montenegro. www.facebook.com/sailinggabrielle |
Posted By: 32mike
Date Posted: 24 May 2024 at 20:29
So, I finally got around to checking my quadrant chain. It looks to be sturdier than marsella’s and shows no sign of wear or corrosion that I can tell. It also has no grease on it from the factory.  While inspecting everything, I noticed something else with the autopilot linkage. The push rod seems a bit out of kilter on the connecting sockets. Is that normal/ok or does it need repositioning? Any thoughts from the experts?   ------------- Mike S/V Dulces Sueños 458 #087 Tampa, FL |
Posted By: Ian Coverdale
Date Posted: 24 May 2024 at 22:23
|
Out of kilter is fine ... they do that ... but grease that chain! Hanse are not following Jefa recommendation for lubrication at install which is why I'm sure there are so many failures. Grease is for corrosion protection more than lubrication; it is an annual maintenance recommendation from Jefa ... GREASE THAT CHAIN!!! ------------- Ian & Andrea SV Gabrielle (H445) Liveaboards - currently Montenegro. www.facebook.com/sailinggabrielle |
Posted By: 32mike
Date Posted: 25 May 2024 at 01:42
|
Greased it today. Haven’t done the wheel chains yet though … ------------- Mike S/V Dulces Sueños 458 #087 Tampa, FL |
Posted By: S&J
Date Posted: 08 June 2024 at 14:51
|
I note that your tie rid os using the inner hole on the quadrant arm. The Jefa build card (and many posts on here) recommend using the outer hole. I have just installed a new DD1 and thought that I would swap from the inner to outer hole, but I found the stud on the inner hole appears to have been pressure fitted at the factory and I couldn't move it. Has anyone any suggestions on how to do this or general comments on the best way to install the tie rod? ------------- H458 #159 Primal Mediterranean cruising |
Posted By: Arcadia
Date Posted: 08 June 2024 at 15:40
|
Stuart, the outer hole would give you about 20 percent more power and would be an advantage. All of the tiller attachments I have seen were thru bolted through the hole using a nut and washer. Is yours different ? A stud would not be as strong. If it is in fact a nut and bolt, then it is possible that the bolt is frozen in place by corrosion. Stainless and aluminum don’t play well. A sharp tap with a hammer may free it along with some penetrating oil or heat. ------------- Leon / ARCADIA 2018 Hanse 588 Sag Harbor, NY |
Posted By: S&J
Date Posted: 08 June 2024 at 16:15
|
The picture posted by Mike shows how my tie rod is attached to the quadrant. The eye of the rod goes over a hollow stud and is secured by a bolt through the stud. Bolt has allen key top, washer and washer and nut below. I can remove the bolt and tie rod but the stud seems to be pressure fitted into the quadrant. I think it is push fit and not screwed. I can't think of any way to remove it. ------------- H458 #159 Primal Mediterranean cruising |
Posted By: Arcadia
Date Posted: 08 June 2024 at 17:07
|
Yes. That spacer (stud) is bolted down and provides the bearing surface that the rod pushes on. I assure you that it is removable. It’s a very tight fit and may need some persuasion. If you damage it on the way out, you can get a replacement from Jefa to use on the other hole. Not expensive but the DD1 needs all the help it can get on a boat your size. ------------- Leon / ARCADIA 2018 Hanse 588 Sag Harbor, NY |
Posted By: 32mike
Date Posted: 08 June 2024 at 20:11
|
Yeah, I noticed that. I made a note to go back and read the debate on holes but haven’t done it yet. I didn’t try to disassemble it yet either. Let us know how you make out. Did your old autopilot quit? ------------- Mike S/V Dulces Sueños 458 #087 Tampa, FL |
Posted By: Matt1
Date Posted: 09 June 2024 at 17:26
|
My 418 was the same and I moved the drag link to the outboard hole. The insert was very stiff but did come out. Can you make some kind of puller device a bit like a prop puller? ------------- Hanse 418 #64 EmBer. Hamble, UK |
Posted By: Bilbungra
Date Posted: 25 August 2025 at 00:33
|
My 455 wire broke at the pulley several years ago even though greased yearly. I replaced with 10mm dyneema which is multiple times stronger and not affected by the environment. Works great after the stretch was initially adjusted. I still grease the chains and inspect yearly or if I’m heading out/returning from a long trip. I also dismantle and clean/grease the autopilot arms as they get a workout.
|