5.7runs rough when turning steering wheel

[JeffOneBlue]

I have 1996 5.7 mercruiser that is doing something weird. It starts and runs like a champ but when I came into the dock the other day it started rattling bad when I would turn. Then when I went into reverse it started missing bad and would kick in at higher rpms. Of course I was steering hard to get into the slip and it rattled hard. It sat for two years with a full tank and plenty of Stabil and I had it dewinterized in May. Is it just bad gas, carb, or something else? Thanks.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 5.7runs rough when turning steering wheel

When was the drive removed for service?
gimbal bearing and U joints lubricated?

 

[JeffOneBlue]

Re: 5.7runs rough when turning steering wheel

I don't know, is that what I should have the mechanic look at?

 

[rbh]

Re: 5.7runs rough when turning steering wheel

either your ujoints are seizing up or your power steering pump is having issues.
whats your engine idle at in gear at idle?
rob

 

[Bondo]

Re: 5.7runs rough when turning steering wheel

is that what I should have the mechanic look at?

Ayuh,.... It sounds like he otta be doing a Complete Tune Up,+ Full Service on the ole girl.....

 

[Showtime22]

Re: 5.7runs rough when turning steering wheel

Is it the steering thats the issue or the shifting? Or both together. Try each individually and we can get a better idea whats happening.

If its the turning while in gear its probably the gimbal bearing going bad. They go go bad and rattle, especially if they are exposed to water from a laeky bellow. Its a large bearing that holds the drive shaft as it passes thru the transom. They are around 50-90 bucks, and you have to remove the drive to change it. The inner ring of the turns at a 45 and rolls out of the outer ring. My first time changing it I changed the entire ring not knowing it came out easier.
Don't be me.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 5.7runs rough when turning steering wheel

My first time changing it I changed the entire ring not knowing it came out easier.

Ayuh,... You did it the Proper way,...

 

[Showtime22]

Re: 5.7runs rough when turning steering wheel

Bondo-

Which way is the right way to have the gimbal face when installing.
Front or Rear?

I've seen gimbal bearings installed with the slide out grooves facing forward, so you couldn't get the inner bearing out. But its weird to me why they even have the inner switch out available then.

 

[JeffOneBlue]

Re: 5.7runs rough when turning steering wheel

Thanks for the replies. I don't have a trailer so I will have to have it pulled by the shop. The problem is when it's in gear and I turn. I thought it could be the power steering but it isn't stiff at all. I'm leaning towards the gimbal bearing and ujoint. Another funny thing is there is a small amount of water in the hull I that i can't figure out where it's coming from. Are boots what covers a gimbal bearing? I really do appreciate the advice. It's more comforting sending your boat to the shop when you know what it could be. Can't wait for this bill.