Ok,DONS here is something that worked. (stuck gimbal bearing)

[onebadc10]

The gimbal bearing was stuck and would not move even with the best of pullers on my 1989 omc .It was the factory bearing.I went and purchased a new bearing and measured the thickness of it.I then took a 3/16 drill bit and slid a rubber hose over it leaving only the bearing thickness exposed so I would not drill to deep.I drilled holes in the outer edge of the bearing each hole being as close as possible. The bearing then collapsed when I pulled on it with a slide hammer.<br />Tony

 

[Don S]

Re: Ok,DONS here is something that worked. (stuck gimbal bearing)

There are lots of them that won't budge with the slide hammer. Merc makes a puller so you don't need the slide hammer, but I purchaced one of these pullers when they were only $110 (Nov 04). Best investment I ever made, they work on the Volvo SX style drives, All Mercruiser and OMC.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Ok,DONS here is something that worked. (stuck gimbal bearing)

The Absolute Worst gimbel bearing job I've ever done..............<br /><br />On an Old Merc.... Old,+ Corroded..... Broke a couple of different pullers trying..... Nothing Moved, Nothing Worked.............<br /><br />Using My old credo, "Get a Bigger Hammer".....<br />I took a forged Eyebolt, 3/4", slid it into the hole of the bearing...... Went inside the boat,+ put a Big Washer,+ Nut on the end of the Eyebolt........ Then hooked a Chain to the Eye end.... other end of the Chain was hooked around a Tree........<br /> Hooked the boat,+ trailer to the truck.....<br />After 3 or 4 Tugs with the Truck,+ Out It Came................. <br /><br />'Course, You'll want to be Very Sure the boat is Secured to the Trailer..........

 

[Don S]

Re: Ok,DONS here is something that worked. (stuck gimbal bearing)

Are you sure you had the snap ring out of the gimbal bearing housing. The old Mercruisers used to have a big snapring that held the gimbal bearing in. With enough corrosion you couldn't even tell if one was there or not.

 

[rabidfish]

Re: Ok,DONS here is something that worked. (stuck gimbal bearing)

Pulled so hard, I pulled the bow eye out with it !!!

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Ok,DONS here is something that worked. (stuck gimbal bearing)

Bondo- I like it! The fact that a minor misjudgement (like forgetting to make sure the boat/ trailor was firmly anchored) may have put you in an "America's Funniest Home Video" situation makes it even better, lol!