M12 autopilot ram swivel

The K067 ball joint is an official mechanical spare part from Raymarine. It is a ball joint designed to be screwed onto the end of the rod of a linear autopilot actuator.

This swivel provides the mechanical connection between the autopilot cylinder and the boat's steering system (rudder stock, quadrant). It transmits the cylinder's thrust while allowing the angular movements required for proper steering.

A worn ball joint can cause several issues:

Steering play: this reduces autopilot precision and responsiveness, leading to premature wear. In extreme cases, a severely worn ball joint could break, resulting in loss of autopilot control.

This cylinder ball joint has a standard M12 (metric, 12 mm diameter) thread.

The K067 ball joint is manufactured using materials specifically selected for their resistance to corrosion in marine environments and to high mechanical stresses, thus ensuring durability and reliability.

The weight for reference K067 is not provided by the manufacturer.

The K067 ball joint is a standard spare part for most Raymarine mechanical linear actuators, including:

Linear actuator Type 1 (M81130)Linear actuator Type 2 Short (M81131) and Long (M81132)Linear actuator Type 2 Short 24V (M81133) and Long 24V (M81134)

No, it is strongly discouraged to do so. This part is specifically designed for Raymarine actuators. Using it on other equipment could lead to fitting, performance, and safety issues.

Yes, as Raymarine succeeded Autohelm, this K067 ball joint is compatible with many legacy Autohelm mechanical linear actuators that used an M12 ball joint.

The safest way is to consult the user manual or the exploded view of your Raymarine cylinder model. The reference K067 must be explicitly mentioned there as the spare part for the end joint.

No, the K067 ball joint is specifically designed for mechanical linear actuators. Hydraulic actuator systems typically use different end fittings and fasteners.

No, the K067 ball joint is sold separately. The pin, cotter pin, or any other fasteners required to mount it to the rudder stock or tiller quadrant are typically not included and must be retained or purchased separately.

Main signs of wear are:

Excessive play when moving the ram by hand.Clunking noises from the joint during direction changes.Visible and advanced corrosion.Difficulty for the ball joint to pivot freely.

Replacement is generally a simple operation that does not require advanced technical skills. Simply disconnect the old rudder quadrant ball joint from the rudder quadrant, then unscrew it from the ram rod. Install the new one by following the reverse steps.

You will need standard hand tools, such as a set of metric open-end wrenches. It is often necessary to use two wrenches: one to hold the ram shaft (if it has a flat) and another to tighten or loosen the ball joint.

Yes, it is strongly recommended to apply a thin layer of marine grease to the M12 thread before screwing in the new ball joint. This will make assembly easier and prevent corrosion, making future disassembly easier.

It is important to tighten the ball joint firmly onto the ram shaft to prevent it from loosening due to vibrations. If a locknut is present, it must be firmly secured against the ball joint. Refer to your autopilot manual for any torque specifications.

Yes, as an original Raymarine part, the K067 cylinder swivel is covered by the manufacturer's warranty. This covers any manufacturing or material defects.

The warranty generally does not cover normal wear from regular use, nor damage caused by incorrect installation, lack of maintenance, or use in an incompatible system.

No, the K067 ball joint is a robust metal part.