Trouble removing gimbal bearing

[ShaneCarroll]

I am having problems removing the gimbal bearing from my Alpha One Gen II outdrive, and was wondering if anyone might have anyone suggestions? I rented the slide hammer and everything, and tried popping it out. Well, everything came out, except that aluminum(?) ring on the outside of the gimbal bearing. There is no groove or anything, to try to pry it out. I am at a loss here, after three hours, I successfully removed the bell housing, broke wires to the trim senders in the process, got the old bellows off, and wrecked the gimbal bearing. Someone suggested an air compressor with a chisel attachment and try to break that ring, any thoughts?
I thought everything else worked out pretty well, minus the scraped knuckles, bloody hands, oil all over the place, and some profane outbursts. Just stuck on removing this thing, also, the new bearing seems pretty straight forward to install, grooves out, pop it in, and I figured use the piece from the slide hammer, put it on the bearing, and lightly tap it in with a hammer. Is that about right?
Thank you for any advice.

 

[boatguya1]

Re: Trouble removing gimbal bearing

The outer ring that's still there, is it installed with the 2 slots facing outward?
I know some oldtimers who used to just change the inner portion of the gimbal brg. If you **** the inner portion sideways pivoting on the spot with the slots it will come out. Instalation is essentially the reverse. I'm not saying this is a good route to go or would even work in your situation.

If you get the whole thing out you need the proper tool or a reasonable facsimaly that will drive the brg in by pushing on the outer ring. If you push the inner part you will damage the brg. After that you need an alignment bar to align the center portion of the brg with the engine coupler. Make sure to align the grease hole on the brg assy with the zirk and tube.

If you brought it to my shop with the drive off I'd have changed the gimbal brg for $50-100 labor depending on how much PIA it was. Sometimes it pays to go to someone with the right tools.

James

 

[boatguya1]

Re: Trouble removing gimbal bearing

ALso if you want it out I'd drill it in a few places and break it out with a hand/hammer chisel. If you go in there with an air hammer/chissle be very careful or it will get expensive fast.

James

 

[45Auto]

Re: Trouble removing gimbal bearing

A threaded-rod type puller with the proper plate on the end (like the Mercruiser tool) will pop it right out.

 

[boatguya1]

Re: Trouble removing gimbal bearing

I think with just the outer ring left in there he doesn't have a "lip" to get ahold of with the puller. It's probably seated all the way into the hsg so he can't get behind it.

James

 

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: Trouble removing gimbal bearing

Thanks for all the help. Now, the grooves are on the inside, I have no way of getting to them. The old bearing is flush in the assembly, with about 1/8" of the lip showing, not too much to grip there. I have the slide hammer, which I can use the plate and jaw pullers for, just nothing to grab onto. I already bought the alignment tool.

So James, where exactly is your shop? Close to Tampa?

Thank You

 

[boatguya1]

Re: Trouble removing gimbal bearing

Sorry I'm outside of Phoenix at Canyon Lake in AZ.

James