Volvo aq270T gimbal bearing

ChadAustin

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Jul 28, 2025
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Question for anybody out there that has changed a 73 Volvo Penta 270 gimbal/ transom and intermediate bearing:
I’m working on a Frankenstein setup engine is merc 188 302 and out drive is a Volvo 270.
Problem started off with vibration at 2200 rpm and continued through 3300 rpm give or take. I pulled the out drive which is in very good shape, u drive moves freely no oil leaking bearing seems good at tail of drive shaft. But I can’t pull the inner or transom bearing. Does the engine have to be removed and bell housing opened up to access that bearing? Or am I overlooking something simple.
Any suggestions would be helpful
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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There is no gimbal bearing in the AQ drive

There are bearings in the PDS

Here is a link to me changing a 290 BDS shaft and bearings


However your PDS may only have one bearing. Check the factory service manual
 

ChadAustin

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There is no gimbal bearing in the AQ drive

There are bearings in the PDS

Here is a link to me changing a 290 BDS shaft and bearings


However your PDS may only have one bearing. Check the factory service manualthat drive shown in the link
There is no gimbal bearing in the AQ drive

There are bearings in the PDS

Here is a link to me changing a 290 BDS shaft and bearings


However your PDS may only have one bearing. Check the factory service manual

Thanks for the response Scott, on that drive shaft shown in the link I have 1 bearing fitted with a snap ring and inside that drive tube I have a bearing all the way to the transom just before the coupler. That inner bearing is what I’m having troupe getting out. I’ve looked and having a tough time finding the correct service manual for this outdrive. Forgive my ignorance of not knowing what PDS is.
Thanks for the reply
 

kenny nunez

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Jun 20, 2017
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If your PDS \flywheel housing is 1 piece there is a good chance there is only 1 bearing in the rear and it can be replaced without pulling the engine. Just hope that the PDS shaft is not rusted into the flex plate.
If there are 6 bolts going through the PDS housing into the flywheel housing then there will be 2 bearings and the engine has to come out. Same goes if the haft is rusted into the flex plate.
Try to post a picture of the housing behind the engine.
 

ChadAustin

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6
If your PDS \flywheel housing is 1 piece there is a good chance there is only 1 bearing in the rear and it can be replaced without pulling the engine. Just hope that the PDS shaft is not rusted into the flex plate.
If there are 6 bolts going through the PDS housing into the flywheel housing then there will be 2 bearings and the engine has to come out. Same goes if the haft is rusted into the flex plate.
Try to post a picture of the housing behind the engine.
6 bolts, shaft comes out fairly easy I can get the first bearing and seal out 3 snap rings
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Can’t post a pic some admin issue
 

ChadAustin

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Jul 28, 2025
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Ok I’ve tried to reduce the size so I need to post more to get approval no problem. I love this site so much good info on here thanks for the tips so far
 
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