Pinion gear removal.

[Dave 2002]

I am having a hard time getting the pinion gear off the drive shaft of a 1998 120 Force lower unit. Does any body have any ideas.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Pinion gear removal.

First you must remove the top bearing because the shaft must be free to move up. Then, you insert a socket and breaker bar onto the pinon nut. Pad the breaker handle so it does not damage the gearcase. Now using whatever will grip the splines on the driveshaft without damaging them, spin the driveshaft to break free the nut.

The pinion gear is on a splined locking taper and can not just be pulled off---it must be forced.

Now, insert a couple of thick aluminum pieces into the gearcase bearing against the pinion threads. Wedge a crowbar or other tapered tool between them and hammer it in until it spreads the aluminum pieces and pops off the pinion. Not an easy job for the amateur but do-able.

The pinion must be retorqued to somewhere around 85 foot pounds when reinstalled--read the manual for exact value.

 

[Dave 2002]

Re: Pinion gear removal.

Thanks Frank I all ready got the pinion nut off. So now I will remove the top bearing and go from there. I find this much more fun than working on cars. Can you tell me where I can get reasonable pricing for the pinion gear and forward gear and the bearings this would help a lot.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Pinion gear removal.

You might get lucky and find what you need on some of the auction sites, other wise you're looking at over $400. You could probably get a complete used lower unit for that.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Pinion gear removal.

What parts always get chewed up requiring need for replacement? Pinion and forward gear. What parts are difficult to find used? Pinion and forward gear. What parts are very expensive new? pinion and forward gear.

Like pnwboat said: You might be better off buying a complete used lower. OR: Find one really cheap because the casting is broken and swap its internals into yours.

 

[Dave 2002]

Re: Pinion gear removal.

Thanks you guys. You are right to find a used lower unit may be the way to go but I could end up with the same problems, and I want to sale this boat next spring and I dont want to sell junk.