Lower Unit Forward Gear Bearing Shot, '68 Chrysler 55hp

[sethl23]

So I have two lower units that I have taken apart to build one good unit. However, both forward gear bearings are shot (the metal ring that holds the bearing rollers are both rusted out). Anyone know if I can buy just the bearing or do I need to purchase the whole gear with the bearing attached?

Any suggestions where to find this part as well as a prop shaft seal?

'68 Chrysler 55hp
Model: 5551

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Lower Unit Forward Gear Bearing Shot, '68 Chrysler 55hp

It is a standard tapered roller bearing. It comes stock only as an assembly of bearing and gear but if you can get the bearing off the gear hub, then it can be purchased at any bearing supply store. Use the old one to get the numbers. Buy bearing and outer race as a set, ask for cone and cup.
If you are successful in removing the old bearing, to install the new one, heat the bearing on top of a 100 watt light bulb for 15-20 minutes and put the gear in your freezer. Remove them--handle the bearing with leather gloves--it will burn you--and quickly drop it all the way down onto the gear hub.

 

[sethl23]

Re: Lower Unit Forward Gear Bearing Shot, '68 Chrysler 55hp

Frank, Thank you for all the great info, will use it all! When I removed the forward gear the bearing was so rusted out it just fell apart. The good thing is the gear and hub are in good shape. It's strange because the forward gear bearing was rusted out the same way on the second lower unit I took apart. Going to get a bearing Friday, and all of a sudden this project seems a lot more plausible!! Thank you.