Gimbal bearing replacement - Alpha 1 Gen II

[watchinthebobber]

I pulled my stern drive today and found water in the u-joint bellows. Not a good sign. After removing the bellows and cleaning things up a bit I tried to move the inner race of the bearing by hand and it would barely budge. It should turn smoothly right?

So it looks like the bearing will need to be replaced. Is this a job the home mechanic can do or would I be better off paying a shop? I read the replacement procedure and I see it takes a special puller/install tool and I don't know if an Autozone loan-a-tool would substitute?

Anyhow, please tell me what I'm in for. I'm kinda bummed right now since I keep finding more things wrong with this boat.

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimbal bearing replacement - Alpha 1 Gen II

If the gimbal bearing is locked up, you can expect the same from the ujoints. Then there is the yoke that goes into the outdrive. The seal surface is probably rusty and will take out the seal which will cause the gear lube to leave the drive while underway. Then you loose a drive.
Autozone is not a marine outlet for tools that you need.
Here is a link to the OEM service manual that you DO need.

http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/mnetdata/SERVICE/CRUISER/Servmanl/14/14cover.pdf

 

[JustJason]

Re: Gimbal bearing replacement - Alpha 1 Gen II

the puller is just a standard OTC 3 jaw puller.... autozone would probably have that....
But you need the installer.

 

[watchinthebobber]

Re: Gimbal bearing replacement - Alpha 1 Gen II

U-joints still seems nice and smooth no stiffness at all.

Shucks it's sounding like I'm out of my league on this one. I just want the job done right. I'll be calling the shop this week. What might be a ball park price for these repairs?

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[brogden31]

Re: Gimbal bearing replacement - Alpha 1 Gen II

did you see any rips in the bellows that would let the water in,if so they will need replaced to, and they need special tools also, so in the end a shop is probally a better idea

 

[watchinthebobber]

Re: Gimbal bearing replacement - Alpha 1 Gen II

did you see any rips in the bellows that would let the water in,if so they will need replaced to, and they need special tools also, so in the end a shop is probally a better idea

No rips that I could find. Actually that was the reason I pulled the stern drive - to replace the three bellows and shift cable. I can handle the bellows, but I have a feeling the bearing will be a PITA.

I would hope the shop wouldn't charge too much to just do the bearing and I can handle the rest of the reassembly. I already have all the new parts.

 

[brogden31]

Re: Gimbal bearing replacement - Alpha 1 Gen II

well it is a pita, i did it last week and i did get it done, i got the three jaw puller from autozone it comes in a kit with a slide hammer and you just beat on it till you cant take it any more then beat on it a little more and it should come out i sprayed it with p.b. and it helped alot

 

[brogden31]

Re: Gimbal bearing replacement - Alpha 1 Gen II

and autozone will lend the tool to you, you leave a dep.

 

[watchinthebobber]

Re: Gimbal bearing replacement - Alpha 1 Gen II

So what did you do to put the new bearing in? You changed the carrier too right?

 

[brogden31]

Re: Gimbal bearing replacement - Alpha 1 Gen II

check your p.m.

 

[achris]

Re: Gimbal bearing replacement - Alpha 1 Gen II

So what did you do to put the new bearing in? You changed the carrier too right?

Remove the old carrier and bearing as a single unit, install the new carrier and bearing as a single unit....

 

[watchinthebobber]

Re: Gimbal bearing replacement - Alpha 1 Gen II

What about the tolerance ring? Does that come out with the entire assembly or is it removed and replaced separately?

Also, what about the grease seal in the gimbal housing. Does that need to be replaced too?

 

[watchinthebobber]

Re: Gimbal bearing replacement - Alpha 1 Gen II

Good news! I got the old bearing out without much trouble at all. The 3 jaw puller from Autozone worked like a charm.

Does the new bearing assembly come with the tolerance ring or do I need to buy that separate?

Is an engine alignment check critical after installing a new bearing?

Thanks

 

[achris]

Re: Gimbal bearing replacement - Alpha 1 Gen II

Good news! I got the old bearing out without much trouble at all. The 3 jaw puller from Autozone worked like a charm.

Does the new bearing assembly come with the tolerance ring or do I need to buy that separate?

Is an engine alignment check critical after installing a new bearing?

Thanks

The tolerance ring is part of the assembly... comes with the new bearing...

I have never replaced the seal behind the bearing....

An alignment check is not essential, but a good idea. It also helps to align the bearing to the coupler too.. The bearing moves (gimbals) in the carrier...

Chris.............