1989 Bayliner 125 HP L drive Hard Steering

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screamin demon

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Joined
Sep 5, 2005
Messages
6
The trib tab was busted off the lower unit. During the short time it was off the boat the steering was very hard (turning right) while under power and on plane. I replaced the trim tab and the problem never went away. <br /><br />The steering is OK while the motor is off and in neutral (at idle and higher RPM). As soon as i put it in gear it gets a little tougher and as I accelerate it is stiff as a board. I have to use everything I got to turn it. Once on plane it is only hard steering to the right. <br /><br />Something to mention. While the enigine is off the steering is fine however when i turn all the way right or left the fly wheel turns in the opposite direction (it appears to be even in each direction). <br />Not through out the entire turn but about 2/3 into it. <br /><br />Thanks for any insight.
 
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Baldguy

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Sep 30, 2001
Messages
174
Re: 1989 Bayliner 125 HP L drive Hard Steering

Even tho you have replaced the trim tab, do you have it adjusted properly? I remember that I had to have my trim tab adjusted slight to one direction in order to make the boat steer properly.<br /><br />If it's not adjusted, the boat will behave as you describe.
 
M

mieufarmer

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May 22, 2005
Messages
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Re: 1989 Bayliner 125 HP L drive Hard Steering

Something to mention. While the enigine is off the steering is fine however when i turn all the way right or left the fly wheel turns in the opposite direction (it appears to be even in each direction). <br />Not through out the entire turn but about 2/3 into it. <br />
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One of the bearings in the lower L drive unit has gone bad. CC6207ss This is the commercial replacment standard bearing that will replace the stock one. All of the boat part places will tell you it's not available. It's a common bearing. Get a manaul. Replace it before you snap the shaft. Farmdawg
 
S

screamin demon

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Re: 1989 Bayliner 125 HP L drive Hard Steering

thanks for the quick answers. I have adjusted the trim tab and did not see any difference. <br /><br />Do you think the hard steering is caused by this bad bearing or 2 seperate problems. I own the manual and thought the lower bearing could be bad. I think I have to tear the power head out to get to it?
 
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screamin demon

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Re: 1989 Bayliner 125 HP L drive Hard Steering

Farmdawg <br /><br />I finally got around to looking at the lower unit. The manual says the power head has to come out but it looks as though I can take the U- joint housing down by removing the pivot pins. Is this what you meant when you wrote the power head does not have to come out? <br /><br />Thanks
 
M

mieufarmer

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May 22, 2005
Messages
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Re: 1989 Bayliner 125 HP L drive Hard Steering

Yep. You can buy a pin puller or make one. I made one with a pice of pipe and 3 1/2 in long stud. Use high grade stuff at least 5, 8 if you can find it. Take your lower unit off first. This make it a lot easier to handle. Follow the instuctions in your manual. The one that I have, shows you how to make a puller. Pull the three pins and the shaft and lower unit will drop down. Clean it up with a good degreaser. Remove the E clip that holds the lower bearing in. You may have to use a dead blow hammer with a large socket. Once the shaft is out take it to a drive shaft shop to have the bearing pressed off and on. The bearing you need is the CA-6207-ZZ. Cost is $28.50. When you reinstall every thing. Put your pins in the freezer the night before. Makes for a eazy install. I hope this helps you out some. Good luck Farmdawg
 
M

mieufarmer

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May 22, 2005
Messages
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Re: 1989 Bayliner 125 HP L drive Hard Steering

Oh yea! DO NOT HIT on the lower end of the shaft. Its a soft metal seal with a o ring inside of it. If you mess it up you'll won't find a replacement one anywhere. You'll have to buy a used shaft from somewhere. Let me know how it goes. Michael
 
S

screamin demon

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Joined
Sep 5, 2005
Messages
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Re: 1989 Bayliner 125 HP L drive Hard Steering

Got it all apart no problems yet. Looking for parts right now. The bearing and seal were easily found from a supplier. I want to replace the seal cap if I can find it and the rubber boot. The boot has a flat spot on it and I think that is how water got in and ruined the bearing. We found water in the sealed bearing.
 
M

mieufarmer

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May 22, 2005
Messages
24
Re: 1989 Bayliner 125 HP L drive Hard Steering

I'm glad you found it. How bad is the bearing? FarmDawg.
 
S

screamin demon

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Sep 5, 2005
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Re: 1989 Bayliner 125 HP L drive Hard Steering

Before I did any work at all I lifted the rubber boot and turned the lower unit. i could see the U-joint turn with it. After pulling it all apart and getting to the bearing it seemed OK. I think we must have busted loose whatever was hanging up. You can see some wear on the OD and the race it sits in so I think that is where the problem was. I found the bearing and seal but I am having a problem finding the seal cap and rubber boot. Everything else I need is available locally.
 
L

ldriver

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Joined
May 9, 2010
Messages
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Re: 1989 Bayliner 125 HP L drive Hard Steering

Hi new to this forum and have exact same issue. Question - 1990, 90hp L-drive and have the lower U-joint housing off and all looks OK :> and now trying to remove U-joint assembly/bearing from the housing - as the lower seal needs replacing. Bearing C-clamp is out but assembly/shaft won't budge out of housing. How do I do remove this without damaging the soft metal cap seal - where do you use the "hammer" or not? Any help appreciated!
 
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