Vijačni ležajni komplet vodilnega pogona W038

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

This W038 thrust bearing kit is specifically designed for Raymarine linear mechanical 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, clunking) coming from the ram.
An increase in the autopilot’s electrical consumption.
A 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 compliant with the manufacturer's specifications. This guarantees the reliability of your autopilot system, a critical safety element, and extends the lifespan 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 in 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 mechanical linear drive Type 1, 2, or 3, then this W038 kit is the part you need for bearing maintenance.

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

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 cylinder disassembly and reassembly.

No, this kit is a Raymarine-specific spare part. 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 absorbs the significant axial loads transmitted by the rudderstock to the autopilot actuator. It ensures smooth, low-friction rotation of the worm gear mechanism, providing efficient and precise power transfer 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.

Accurate diagnostics typically require disassembly for visual inspection. If you find the existing bearing damaged, corroded, or with excessive play, it must be replaced. Abnormal noises localized to 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 equipment manufacturer (OEM) spare parts such as the Raymarine W038 kit is the method recommended by the manufacturer 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 in an autopilot depends on many factors, such as the intensity of autopilot use, navigation 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 the W038 kit is the same across all variants of Type 1, 2, and 3 drives, whether they are 12 V or 24 V. 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 drive, 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 inspection of the ram, to ensure maximum reliability for long passages.