Knocking when turning

[LReed27]

We have hit the gimbal bearing all around but it still won’t go in. I think we’re just going to give up and sell the boat to someone for cheap because it will not go on no matter what we try

 

[jimmbo]

We have hit the gimbal bearing all around but it still won’t go in. I think we’re just going to give up and sell the boat to someone for cheap because it will not go on no matter what we try

Oh, I was thinking the Shaft with the U-Joints wasn't going in.
If the Gimbal Bearing itself won't go in, is it the correct Bearing? Has the Grommet It fits in, properly seated?
Older I/Os where the Gimbal Bearings were Greased via a Tube from an External Grease Fitting, could have had something shift. preventing the Bearing to be properly located, but I think Mercrusier used Sealed Bearings for Decades

 

[alldodge]

We have hit the gimbal bearing all around but it still won’t go in. I think we’re just going to give up and sell the boat to someone for cheap because it will not go on no matter what we try

The drive went on just fine but found out it knocks on hard turns

Removed drive, drove gimbal bearing further in and now drive won't go back on.

go to put the drive back on and we can’t even get the drive to the studs.

The drive shaft is not making it into the engine coupler. The coupler teeth are damaged, the coupler is warped/damaged or the gimbal bearing is tilted slightly off center

 

[jimmbo]

The drive went on just fine but found out it knocks on hard turns

Removed drive, drove gimbal bearing further in and now drive won't go back on.

The first instance sounded like Bad U-joints. Did you test the Joints movements for any Binding or Tightness once you had it out, or did you just start hammering away at the Bearing?
The Gimbal Bearing has a specific Location to sit. If you managed to drive it from its Rubber Mount, it is likely Cockeyed

 

[bspeth]

Did you turn the prop accidentally and move the shift shoe out of the 12 oclock position?I think I remember we used to chock the prop?

 

[nola mike]

Places that the drive gets stuck:
1. Prior to entering coupler.
--Can happen if the driveshaft isn't parallel to axis of the line from the gimbal to the coupler. When inserting the drive, make sure everything is on the same plane. Distance between the drive and bellhousing should be the same at all 4 corners as you're pushing it on. Sometimes rotating the shaft 90 degrees helps, as the u joints change orientation and the shaft sits at a different angle.
--Splines in coupler/driveshaft aren't aligned. Push drive on while turning prop CCW. Doesn't take much of a turn.
2. Shift shaft and shoe aren't aligned/something bent. Can happen if in neutral/reverse when trying to remove/install drive. You can look behind the drive when it's stuck to make sure they're engaged correctly.
3. Drive shaft O-rings. These take VERY little grease to get on there. Too much will get it stuck. At this point the studs are flush with/just past the drive
4. Too much grease in coupler, OR foreign body (old o-rings?). Double check the area inside the coupler.
5. Gimbal out of line (or incorrect installation in your case). As mentioned, whack it. If the alignment tool goes in smoothly and fully, this isn't the issue (the alignment part. Could still have a faulty installation I guess).

 

[cyclops222]

Nola
You are making that assembly sound ridiculously difficult.
Does the manufacturer know how critical the procedure is ?

 

[Scott06]

Nola
You are making that assembly sound ridiculously difficult.
Does the manufacturer know how critical the procedure is ?

Obviously the OP is missing something, that is a good list of little chit that can turn a 10 min job into a curse fest, especially the shift linkage being bent and grease in coupler- speaking from personal experience on those...

 

[cyclops222]

I have noticed car companies designing in difficult or special equipment needed steps. Dealer profit repairs ?

 

[Stinnett21]

My screw up one time was when in went to put the drive in forward gear prior to removal I pushed the button and went full throttle thinking I was gong into forward gear. I guess pushing the neutral button was a normal reaction with the boat sitting on the trailer as if during winterization for example. Not good. Make sure you are in FORWARD.

 

[Scott06]

I have noticed car companies designing in difficult or special equipment needed steps. Dealer profit repairs ?

more so than that I have seen lack of pertinent info in repair manuals, that coupled with more complex mechanicals drives some issues

 

[bspeth]

Nola
You are making that assembly sound ridiculously difficult.
Does the manufacturer know how critical the procedure is ?

?