LUNENBURG, N.S. -- The Bluenose II is once again undergoing repairs after a bearing in its steering pump broke.

Wilson Fitt, the project manager for the Bluenose II, said the problem with the bearing was detected while the vessel was sailing this week and a check on the system was made when the schooner returned to harbour.

He says a replacement bearing was sent to Nova Scotia from Vancouver on Wednesday evening and he expects repairs will be complete by Friday evening.

The project manager said if all goes as expected, the vessel will be back in service by the weekend.

Fitt said that technicians also have to flush out parts of the hydraulic system to ensure small pieces of broken bearing don't cause further damage in the future.

The schooner recently made its return as Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador after a restoration fraught with problems, including issues with the original steering system.