gimbal bearing or bellows kit?

[weston479]

looks like i need to replace the gimbal bearing or u-joints getting a growling noise and changes pitch when the steering is turned.
It's a 2002 350 mag mpi w/ bravo 3 drive 118hr's on it.
guess my ? would be when i pull the sterndrive if there is no sign of water entry thru the bellows should i even worry about changing them while i have the drive off? or just change the bearing and be done?

 

[Bt Doctur]

It all depends on the condition of the rubber. soft and spongy is no good,.stiff and dry rotted is bad too

 

[weston479]

alight thanks, guess ill play it by ear.

 

[Scott06]

Speaking from experince you can also get water in the bellows if the bilge fills up. If it sits in there over the winter will definitely screw up the gimbal. Previous advice of inspection us right on.

Gimbal bearing is easy, bellows I wouldn't jump into if they look good.

 

[bruceb58]

So when was the drive pulled last, bellows changed and alignment checked?

 

[weston479]

if i had to guess prob never. going to pull it next weekend. from what i've seen so far not much maintenance was done on this boat. ill pull it then order parts after inspection.

 

[Rick Stephens]

if i had to guess prob never. going to pull it next weekend. from what i've seen so far not much maintenance was done on this boat. ill pull it then order parts after inspection.

Easy job pulling the outdrive off. Should be done every year for regular maintenance and inspection. If your inspection shows the slightest issue with bellows, change them all and be done with it.

Growling - time to do gimbal bearing and u-joint crosses. Might as well get them all.

You should drain the outdrive oil before pulling it. Then split the case and replace the impeller in the water pump. Need the impeller and the water pump gaskets (you can get those as a kit.


You will need alignment tool to check alignment every year when you do the drive. You can get a a tool that includes a gimbal bearing driver attachment as well.

 

[bruceb58]

You should drain the outdrive oil before pulling it. Then split the case and replace the impeller in the water pump.

OP has a Bravo. Impeller is not in the drive.

 

[Rick Stephens]

OP has a Bravo. Impeller is not in the drive.

Doggoneit.

Hate it when that happens. Old age settin in. Apologies.

 

[bruceb58]

Doggoneit.

Hate it when that happens. Old age settin in. Apologies.

Like wise.

 

[weston479]

i already pulled the sea water pump and the impeller is shot so that's on the list to change might as well get the thermostat and plastic insert also. lol

 

[Bondo]

i already pulled the sea water pump and the impeller is shot so that's on the list to change might as well get the thermostat and plastic insert also. lol

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,..... Before ya put the drive back on, back-flush from the t-stat housin', Back to the drive,.....

If there's any missin' impeller pieces, that should flush 'em out,....

 

[weston479]

Bondo ok yeah it was missing a few fin's thanks for the tip.

 

[weston479]

No Title

found a posting about a similar issue talked about using a 2x4 and the rams to push the drive off if the gimbal is stuck to the drive shaft

 

[weston479]

No Title

Think I need u-joints and a full bellows kit