'83 Evinrude 70hp lower unit rebuild

[csdisme]

I recently picked up a lower unit to replace my damaged one. The person I got it from said and it worked fine but the prop had a pretty good ding in it and I wanted to make sure the gears weren't damaged. I took it down so I could examine both the forward and reverse gears and the pinion and everything looks fine. I thought i would go ahead and replace all the wearable parts. The question I have is how can I tell if the thrust bearings or needle bearing need placing? They look good, roll smoothly with no noticible wear or damage. Or, should i just go ahead and replace them just as a matter of course? Lastly, is there any need to add any type of lube to the bearings or does the lower unit oil take care of that?

Thanks in advance for your help
best regards
Cullen

 

[Crosbyman]

I would venture to say... if gear turn smoothly, shifter works... just work on GC seal (all of them)
proper oil for the GC will take care of the rest .

use new nylon washer after every fill up !

 

[racerone]

I usually replace bearing above the pinion.----A critical bearing for long gear tooth life.