How to Take Apart Steering Pedestal

[crashkahuna]

I am doing lube of steering components and I'm looking at this binnacle not having any idea how it comes apart. My last boat had a couple screws in the stainless compass cover but this is all plastic. The Edson manual shows the insides but I'm not sure how to get the plastic cover off. There are four screws in top holding compass in but doubt that will get to the innards where the chain is. Anyone have one similar?
http://www.sjeff.com/boat/edson02_600.jpg

[Hudson Force]

My binnacle appears similar, but I don't see the lower portion in your photo. Mine continues down as a closed aluminum pipe and then to a flared base plate that is bolted to the cockpit floor. I am able to reach the chain at the top sprocket after lifting off the compass as well as the linkage for my throtle and gear shift. The base of my chain and it's drive mechanism operating my hydraulic steering pump is accessable in my engine room. The inaccessable center of the binacle tube carries the two control cables, a 12VDC wiring cable for compass light and mounted electronics, and the chain. These items are fed through the tube. I can lubricate the full chain length with the access above and below when turning the wheel.

[Unicorn Dreams]

Unbolt the pedestal base from below, turn over, remove screws and pedestal comes apart, at least that's how mine comes apart...

[capt.bobfm]

After you remove the compass, you should see 4 screws inside the plastic mount at thr bottom inside.Be careful with the electric wire to the compass as it is pretty small.

[crashkahuna]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will first try taking compass off. I basically just want to get to the gear that is in upper part of binnacle.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by Unicorn Dreams

Unbolt the pedestal base from below,..............

This will do well as Unicorn Dreams correctly advices, but it becomes a very complex route with my configuration. There may be a second platform of bolts that adjust the chain tension and the disconnection of the hydraulic pump. For my lay-out the top is the easy way, but check yours.