vibration turning

[scoflaw]

New to mercruiser. Boat vibrates and makes a different sound when cutting the wheel hard to either side when under moderate throttle. Won't do it when rpms are down. U joints ? Gimble bearing? don't know much about either. How often should the gimble bearing be greased? Thanks

 

[Glastron_V210]

Re: vibration turning

That's a classic gimbal bearing failure mode.

Now the good part...they usually fail due to water intrusion, so that means you very likely have a bad drive bellows, and the ujoints will have to go too.


There are many posts about this job here. It's not too much fun.

Try searching.

Chay

 

[scoflaw]

Re: vibration turning

Just purchased boat. Previous owner had the boat professionally serviced by the local marina. They pull the outdrive every winter. Would they not have noticed it visually? No water in the engine bay. Too late for grease? Is that the fitting I see behind the engine? How long will it last in it's present condition?

 

[Glastron_V210]

Re: vibration turning

Maybe.

Mine was noticeable.

There is a grease zerk on the outside of the boat on the transom plate (Right side as you look at the back of the boat).

You can try to lube and see what happens. It may last a long time, but it's a big unknown.

The best thing to do is pull the outdrive, and reach in and spin it...if there is any rough spots it's on its way out. You can check for maisture at the same time.

I ran mine like yours for a season without problems. I'm glad it's gone now though! Filling it with grease quitened it somewhat.

If there is water in there your problems will get worse fast.

The

Chay