Removing Rubber Universal

mmadge

Member
Any advice (tips) on how to get the rubber universal tendon out of the Acme tiller extension,also can I reuse it again.
The reason I am asking is I want to use my acme tiller on my Hobie 16 .the Hobie 16 has a metal u shaped connector,so I will need to put a sleeve with a hole in the acme tiller so that it will accept a 3/16" pin.Then after the event I want to put the rubber universal back on it.
 
You should be able to pop it out (the universal is embedded in an epoxy "plug" which is then inserted/epoxied into the extension) - use these instructions to pop out the plug
http://www.acmecarbon.com/ACMECARBON/repair.html for what you need and then follow the step by step lower on the page..

If you manage to damage the universal and/or epoxy plug, highly recommend just ordering their repair kit as opposed to trying to embed another universal in the extension.

Just curious, I would have thought the Hobie used a much longer extension ?
 
I tried the heat gun/popping out process when the universal joint broke on my extension and had no luck. I had to saw off what was left of the universal and drill out the plug.
 
It worked for me, on two different extensions.. :)

Another idea is to end for end the extension, leave the existing uni in place, just cap it with tape and/or a tennis ball or similar
 
It worked for me, on two different extensions.. :)

Another idea is to end for end the extension, leave the existing uni in place, just cap it with tape and/or a tennis ball or similar

Actually, that might be the best idea for using it on the Hobie.
 
You should be able to pop it out (the universal is embedded in an epoxy "plug" which is then inserted/epoxied into the extension) - use these instructions to pop out the plug
http://www.acmecarbon.com/ACMECARBON/repair.html for what you need and then follow the step by step lower on the page..

If you manage to damage the universal and/or epoxy plug, highly recommend just ordering their repair kit as opposed to trying to embed another universal in the extension.

Just curious, I would have thought the Hobie used a much longer extension ?

thanks for advice,yes the Hobie tiller needs an extension to bring it up to 85"
 
Give the manufacturer a ring - but advice on Fatso Jnr used to be to heat it up with a hairdryer to weaken the epoxy so u could break it out
 
Use the heat gun. It works, but you have to get it blazing hot!!! don't worry about melting the carbon fiber. It's melting point is the temp of the surface of the sun.

Take the cap off the other side, and get a long broom stick or somethign like that. you will have to "tap" it out. I had to hit it pretty hard, but the three times I've done it, it came out eventually.

Get a file and get the rest out then epoxy the new one it.
 
Not trying to hijack the thread, but how do u guys like the acme?

Will the 48" swing from one side to the other (clear the mainsheet) while keeping the rudder straight?

I recently broke my CST composite one and looking for a replacement.
 
Will the 48" swing from one side to the other (clear the mainsheet) while keeping the rudder straight?

You need good technique. If you try to move the tiller horizontally in a tack, it will not clear the mainsheet. You need to pivot it up from the base. Awkward at first, but it becomes automatic.
 
I agree with 49028. I had to replace the universal on my Fatso Jr. after I broke it during a capsize. I followed the instructions on their website and had no problem removing the old one.
 
You need good technique. If you try to move the tiller horizontally in a tack, it will not clear the mainsheet. You need to pivot it up from the base. Awkward at first, but it becomes automatic.

It's the sort of thing that will fix itself, after a few capsizes.
 
Use the heat gun. It works, but you have to get it blazing hot!!! don't worry about melting the carbon fiber. It's melting point is the temp of the surface of the sun.

hate to be the one to break it to you carbon fibre is heled together with epoxy or polyester or nylon so it will actualy discolour or combust it wont melt well ive never seen it happern and ive just had a google about and it looks like nobody has ever melted epoxy only set fire to it or discoloured it so if you can do it im sure there are many people who would like to know your technique so if you had melted the epoxy you would have melted the carbon fibre tube. personaly i think your probibily melting the surface of the rubber UJ allowing it to debond its self from the epoxy and slide out.
 
Just did the heat gun technique and must have reached the sun's surface temp - the carbon fiber fabric started to delaminate. Also, I didn't have the right round file to clean out the remains of the old universal, so I epoxied the new one into the other end of the extension. I mananged to fix the delamination by pushing as much epoxy as possible into the separation and wraped rigging tape glue side out as tightly as I could around the area. Turned out great.
 
Not trying to hijack the thread, but how do u guys like the acme?

Will the 48" swing from one side to the other (clear the mainsheet) while keeping the rudder straight?

I recently broke my CST composite one and looking for a replacement.

Seriously, I wouldn't bother with a carbon extension. I replaced my Fatso with an "organic carbon" bamboo one for $2 from Bunnings garden centre. Just as light, and just as strong. Importantly, it won't snap in half like carbon does. Just choose a nice thick, straight stick that will fit the universal at the "thin" end, add grip tape and spray with varnish or paint. Heck, buy 2 and have a spare!
 

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