Gimbal bearing install question, need to adjust engine height

[makonnen]

Hey guys,

Just a quick question ... I'm installing a new gimbal bearing. Just wondering if its common to have to adjust the engine height after installing a new gimbal bearing? I noticed that the gimbal bearing has a crush "ring" that holds it in place. Its possible to be off a hair from when installing the new gimbal brg.

On a side note, I also noticed that the special tool from mercruiser drives the INNER bearing??? I see that a number of companies offer a custom made bearing driver that drives the outer (aluminum) race.

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimbal bearing install question, need to adjust engine height

If the alignment was ok with the old bearing, it will be ok with the new bearing. But you will have to align the inner portion of the gimbal bearing to the coupler.

On a side note, I also noticed that the special tool from mercruiser drives the INNER bearing???

No it doesn't, unless you don't have all the parts to the tool.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=329915&p=3098784&viewfull=1#post3098784

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Gimbal bearing install question, need to adjust engine height

The more common adjustment is the inner race, to align with the coupler. The alignment tool gives you the right amount of leverage to tweak the inner race.

 

[makonnen]

Re: Gimbal bearing install question, need to adjust engine height

If the alignment was ok with the old bearing, it will be ok with the new bearing. But you will have to align the inner portion of the gimbal bearing to the coupler.



No it doesn't, unless you don't have all the parts to the tool.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=329915&p=3098784&viewfull=1#post3098784

Thanks for the link... I should have searched first.

 

[KC DREW]

Re: Gimbal bearing install question, need to adjust engine height

I might be doing my gimbal bearing soon. This was good info. Thanks

 

[achris]

Re: Gimbal bearing install question, need to adjust engine height

...On a side note, I also noticed that the special tool from mercruiser drives the INNER bearing??? I see that a number of companies offer a custom made bearing driver that drives the outer (aluminum) race.

You shouldn't be driving on the bearing at all... The aluminium 'outer' is the bearing carrier, not the race.

The engine alignment will not have changed, .. the bearing gimbals in the carrier and you need to align it to the engine.

Here's a video that explains it -> http://youtu.be/w118LGsYgY4

 

[makonnen]

Re: Gimbal bearing install question, need to adjust engine height

Yea I'm not going to drive the bearing at all. Just trying to decide if I want to spend the $100 on the proper gimbal bearing driving tools or make my own.

 

[achris]

Re: Gimbal bearing install question, need to adjust engine height

Use a long steel bar and tap around the edges of the carrier... Make sure it goes in evenly...

Chris........