Volvo 4.3 GL-A with a Volvo SX-M outdrive Gimbal Bearing and Grease question

[ivancunningham]

I am new to this whole thing with working on boats, I am working on replacing the Gimbal Bearing I have already removed the old Gimbal Bearing, Noticed, the new Gimbal Bearing doesn't have the Hole, so as I have read in many post, this is a newer kind of Gimbal that is already Greased. So, what I was wondering, can I just put it in with the Dot facing up, or does it still have to be facing 10 O'clock, or do I need to just buy the original with the hole for the grease. If I can use the one I got, Would I need to do anything with the existing zirk, or just leave it go. and one other question. will I need to put grease around the bearing still and if so, does it have to be gimbal bearing grease since its on the metal piece on the top that goes around the gimbal bearing, can I use lucas marine grease, or do I need to purchase U-Joint and Gimbal Grease.

appreciate the help.

 

[Fun Times]

Hi there, what part number did you buy? Did the bearing come with a plug so you can remove the grease zerk fitting and plug the hole?

Was there a dot in your old Volvo bearing? if so what position if you recall. Though it probably don't matter much with a permalube bearing, it's good practice to reinstall the new bearing in the same manner as the old one just so you know it's installed correctly.

Lightly lubing the outside of the bearing would help install it a little easier but it's not needed. If it's a permalube gimbal bearing then no grease should or can be added internally and there is no holes to line up for the grease hole.

 

[ivancunningham]

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[ivancunningham]

Unfortunately I did not get a zirk plug, will I need to purchase one? Thanks

 

[dypcdiver]

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Here is a photo for reference of the bearing I extracted some years ago. The dot is opposite the grease entry hole, however as installed the split in the corrugated sleeve lined up with the grease tube on the stbd side.
If your grease nipple (Zirk) is in good condition then there is no need to replace it as it is sealed with a small ball bearing with a spring behind it. Mine had corroded due to electrolysis problem and when I removed it the grease tube came out too, beware.

 

[Fun Times]

Your original Volvo part number was 3853807 (< greasable) but has since been changed to 3888555 and finally 21752712 (< both permalubes).

While the bearing you received will work, Personally I've never seen that brand before and it seemed hard to find but I finally ran across it from Michigan motors and it's similar to their Volvo version part number 3888555 like this, http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-Penta..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item4188e8455a&vxp=mtr

The purpose of the plug is so that the next time someone else goes to service the boat, they will not be able to add grease to a bearing that don't take grease any longer. Grease passage plug part number 8M2015913 or 1/4 28 x.320 UNRF and a T20 torx to install the plug should you decide to do it.

Below is the cross reference Info for future reference if needed.
Replaces:

• Mercury 30-879194A02, 30-60794A 4
• OMC 3853807, 0983937
• Volvo 3853850-0, 21752712
• Sierra 18-21001
• GLM 21900
• SKF BBY-5548
• Sierra Part # 18-21001 Replaces OEM Part #'s:
• Mercruiser 30-879194A02
• Volvo 388555
• ^ Fits latest models due to bigger U-joint sizes.

Here's what the plug looks like,

 

[ivancunningham]

I was wondering if I could put lucus marine grease on the u-joint and Drive, or should I get the triple grease from evenrude.