Rusty film/staining on input shaft and inner ring of gimbal bearing

[Stinnett21]

Just pulled my alpha 2 drive (OM424120) and noticed a rusty film/stain on the input shaft where it contacts the gimbal bearing where the two o-rings are and of course on the inner ring of the bearing itself. No signs of water intrusion. Bellows is dry and I know for certain water has not entered from the bilge side. Bearing feels smooth with the two finger turn. I don't believe I've seen this in the past. Does this mean water is creeping in somehow? If so how? Through the grease zerk maybe?

 

[Rick Stephens]

Is under water, if you don't coat bare steel parts like those with 2-4C you are going to see rust build up just from the presence of water everywhere. Even humidity left on those parts during the last assembly.

 

[Stinnett21]

Thanks Rick. Duh...should have thought of that, especially since for the last two years I've pulled the drive in the fall and re-installed in the spring leaving those areas mostly bare. Will make sure I coat them in the future.