Alpha One Gen One Gimbal Ring Bearings Question (Not the Drive Shaft Gimbal Bearing)

[San_Diego_SeaRay]

Got two transom assemblies from the early/Mid 80's that I'm "rebuilding". One Serial Number is 6344019. I can't really make out what the other serial number is, but it seems identical in every way to the other one.

My questions are about replacing the small upper and lower needle bearings that assist the gimbal ring to rotate from side to side.

1. Item #2 in the following LINK seems to be superceded by a new nylon “bushing” that replaces Item #2 as well as Items #3 and #4. Can any Alpha One Gen One gimbal assembly be retrofitted w. this nylon bushing option? So I would just need to buy this one bushing and it would replace all 3 parts?
2. For old style metal bearings, how would I install them on the assembly? Any special considerations? Or is it as straightforward as a gimbal bearing? Just apply well distributed pressure and hammer it home?

Thanks in advance!

 

[stonyloam]

The gimbal ring part number is the same ( 94993A7) for both so the bearing and bushing should be interchangeable.

 

[San_Diego_SeaRay]

The gimbal ring part number is the same ( 94993A7) for both so the bearing and bushing should be interchangeable.

Good point!

Does anybody know what's required to install bushings and bearings?

 

[stonyloam]

OK my mistake! They are NOT interchangeable! Got out my laptop with the manuals, Roller bearings must be replaced with roller bearings, and bushings with bushings. If you have a grease fitting you have a bearing, no grease fitting you have a bushing. Sorry about that.

 

[stonyloam]

This is the Alpha I with the bearing: http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...&bnbr=50&bdesc=GIMBAL+RING+AND+STEERING+LEVER

This is the Gen II with the bushing: http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...&bnbr=40&bdesc=Gimbal+Ring+And+Steering+Lever

The rings are different numbers, but the bushing (4A) and (2) respectively are the same ( 23-99352). Some of the later Alpha Is apparently used the bushing. Mine is an "87" and uses the roller bearing.

 

[stonyloam]

Here is the boatinfo manual showing how. http://boatinfo.no/lib/mercruiser/ma...ser6.html#/292 this is manual #6 for Alpha I. I think you need to open it in windows, can't on my iPad.

 

[San_Diego_SeaRay]

Here is the boatinfo manual showing how. http://boatinfo.no/lib/mercruiser/ma...ser6.html#/292 this is manual #6 for Alpha I. I think you need to open it in windows, can't on my iPad.

Yes, it opens fine on my computer. And the manual explains it very well. Looks like I need to buy a special bearing seal driver to install. That should make the job easy. Thanks for the follow up!