Product Description

Sperry Marine hydraulic steering gear units were installed in the after steering compartments of U.S. Navy warships, auxiliaries, and commercial vessels through the mid-twentieth century. According to publicly filed asbestos litigation records, the ram cylinders, rudder-post glands, telemotor lines, and hydraulic pump housings allegedly relied on braided asbestos rope packing and compressed asbestos-sheet gaskets to seal high-pressure hydraulic fluid at reciprocating shafts and flanged joints. Steering-gear packing allegedly required periodic repacking during overhauls and voyage-repair periods.

Workers Exposed

  • Navy machinist mates standing after-steering watches and repacking rudder-post glands
  • Merchant marine engineers performing steering-gear overhauls at sea and pierside
  • Shipyard machinists rebuilding hydraulic rams during availabilities
  • Marine insulators lagging adjacent hydraulic piping in the steering flat