Thanks for the pic, I got it.

I was thrown off when you said "stop" (Sorry, I have a case of "Alpha 42 On My Mind" -- that's not a song; or I have a case of Cat Scratch Fever ;^))))) ) You have a rudder collar issue...

Look this over: http://www.edsonmarine.com/support/wheel_conversion/pdfs/S-1479-1.pdf

It looks to me like someone worked on this before and moved the collar lower. (What's the hole above the assmebly in question, below the quadrant?)

http://www.edsonmarine.com/marinestore/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=290

See Page 27 of this for a SS collar. http://www.marinehardware.com/downloads/running_gear.pdf -- Tides Marine makes one too.

Then, I'd talk with the manufacturer(s) about an frictionless 'washer' barrier between the two assemblies.

There may be other manufacturers that Edson could suggest. I don't think the collar was by Edson, but it's been almost 30 years since the steering was put in?

I think you may consider an access port from your quarterberth to get at this work. As I recall you won't have a lot of access otherwise.

I think you'll have to drop the Rudder to get at this work to do this right. I guess it's time to really refresh your stuffing box, etc. anyway... Use Locktite on the connections.