Steering a little sticky at center rudder?

[kurt]

Hi All,

I replaced my steering quadrant cable last year on my '88 C34.   The boat and steering has performed well even very recently in 20-22knots in sloppy seas w full main & 130.

But, there is this minor stickiness or detent felt via the wheel at center/0 degree rudder.   Once I move the wheel past this stickiness all is fine and I no longer feel any detent or stickiness at 0 degree while steering and working the wheel.   However, if I leave the wheel again at 0 degrees for some time the stickiness reappears.

I can only think of two unlikely potential causes:  1) the new cable is a bit more tensioned and perhaps the rudder bearings are a little worn at the zero degree mark  2) the below decks autopilot ram has some detent at the 0 degree point for whatever reason.

This doesn't feel like a serious safety issue but I'd sure like to know exactly what may be causing this. 

Any other ideas or thoughts?

I will be pulling my rear panel for annual steering check soon.

Thanks all,

Kurt