Linear drive thrust bearing kit

The W038 kit is a set of genuine Raymarine spare parts. It includes the thrust bearing required for maintenance or repair of linear drive autopilot drive units. This component is critical as it absorbs the axial forces exerted on the rudderstock.

This W038 thrust bearing kit is specifically designed for Raymarine mechanical linear drives. It is compatible with the following models:

Type 1 (Reference M81130)Type 2 (References M81131 and M81132)Type 3 (Reference M81133)It is not compatible with hydraulic or rotary drives.

A worn thrust bearing can manifest through several symptoms:

An abnormal mechanical noise (grinding, clacking) coming from the cylinder.An increase in the autopilot’s electrical consumption.Loss of responsiveness or jerky movements of the rudder.Excessive play in the drive mechanism.

Using an original Raymarine part, such as the W038 kit, ensures a perfect fit and performance that meets the manufacturer's specifications. This guarantees the reliability of your autopilot system—a critical safety element—and extends the service life of the drive unit by preventing premature failures caused by incompatible parts.

Replacing the thrust bearing requires good mechanical skills and partial disassembly of the linear drive unit. The procedure is not extremely complex for an experienced person, but if you are not comfortable with precision mechanics, it is recommended to call a professional.

Compatibility does not depend on the computer (the 'brain' of the Evolution system such as the ACU-200 or ACU-400) but on the drive unit (the actuator). If your Evolution system is paired with a Raymarine Type 1, 2, or 3 mechanical linear drive, then this W038 kit is the part you need for bearing maintenance.

The W038 kit is a spare part that contains the essential components for replacing the thrust bearing. It typically includes the needle cages and thrust washers that make up the bearing itself.

Installation requires standard mechanical tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and potentially circlip pliers. A clean and organized workspace is essential to avoid losing any parts during the disassembly and reassembly of the ram.

No, this kit is a specific spare part for Raymarine. It is designed and sized exclusively for the brand’s mechanical linear drives (Types 1, 2, and 3). Attempting to install it on equipment from another manufacturer could damage the device.

The thrust bearing's role is to absorb the significant axial loads transmitted by the rudderstock to the autopilot's ram. It enables smooth, low-friction rotation of the worm gear mechanism, ensuring efficient and precise power transmission from the motor to the tiller.

Yes, it is essential. During installation, it is crucial to generously lubricate the new bearing and surrounding parts with high-quality marine grease. Proper lubrication is essential to ensure smooth operation, reduce wear, and protect components from corrosion.

A precise diagnosis usually requires disassembly for a visual inspection. If you find that the existing bearing is damaged, corroded, or has excessive play, it must be replaced. Abnormal noises localized at the ram are also a very good indicator of wear on this component.

The weight of the W038 thrust bearing kit is approximately 0.3 kg. It is a dense but small component.

Using original Raymarine spare parts, such as the W038 kit, is the manufacturer-recommended method for maintenance. It ensures the equipment remains compliant with its original specifications, which is a requirement to preserve any remaining warranty on the complete unit.

The W038 kit is a precision mechanical part. The product is packaged according to Raymarine spare parts standards. Shipping and protection details depend on the retailer.

The lifespan of a thrust bearing depends on many factors, such as the autopilot usage intensity, sailing conditions (rough seas) and maintenance quality. It is a wear part that may require replacement after several years of intensive service.

The thrust bearing is located inside the drive unit housing, typically at one end of the worm screw. It is positioned to support the axial thrust generated when the screw rotates to extend or retract the actuator arm.

Yes, the part number for kit W038 is the same across all variants of Type 1, 2, and 3 drives, whether they are 12V or 24V. The mechanical part of the thrust bearing is identical.

Yes, absolutely. Continuing to use an autopilot with a faulty bearing can lead to a cascade of issues, including premature wear of the motor and transmission, overloading of the autopilot computer, and in the worst case, complete mechanical failure of the ram.

This kit can be used in both cases. It is ideal for repair when the existing bearing is faulty. It can also be used as part of preventive maintenance during a full overhaul of the ram, to ensure maximum reliability for long passages.