Removed sterndrive, gimbel bearing came along

[sswick]

I'm replacing my gimbel bearing, u-joints and bellows for "my" first time on a noisy Alpha one Gen one drive. Took a lot of force to get the drive off. Guess I know why now... the gimbel bearing was still on the shaft when it came out. Any suggestions on how to remove the bearing? Also should I be concerned about the race now since it took a lot of lift and drop and pull to get the drive off? I've read a lot of posts on replacing these items but haven't come across one like this. Also, where is the best source for buying a Bearing retainer wrench or do you think local marina's rent them out?
Thanks gang. This is the best site I have found so far on mercruiser stuff.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Removed sterndrive, gimbel bearing came along

you should be able to tap the bearing off. It will need replacing anyway in my opinion if it's froze to the shaft.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Removed sterndrive, gimbel bearing came along

Ayuh,.......... no Reason to take the Bearing Off the Shaft,....

Just Replace the Shaft it's rusted to Too...........

 

[Coors]

Re: Removed sterndrive, gimbel bearing came along

bondo gets it correct, as usual.

 

[Don S]

Re: Removed sterndrive, gimbel bearing came along

Would bet you had water in the bellows too??????
Rust between the gimbal bearing and the shaft is what causes them to stay on the shaft like that.

 

[sswick]

Re: Removed sterndrive, gimbel bearing came along

oh goody, this is not what I wanted to hear. Guess I better go out an buy a new boat. Wife will love me for that. (not) But do I need a better excuse? She won't know the difference. And Yup Don...u-joints were quite soaked and a lot of lake bottom in the bellows. I guess thats what I get for buying a used boat without inspecting it close enough. The repair bill just got higher.
Thanks for your help, all.

 

[Don S]

Re: Removed sterndrive, gimbel bearing came along

Then I guess this isn't a good time to mention that water in the bellows also means water in the drive. The bellows is the only thing to keep water out of the drive.
Time to check and change the gear lube. If the yoke going into the drive is rusty, it will destroy the seal. Then the gear lube leaks out into the bellows, the drive is low on oil, and you end up needing a drive...........

Ain't boating fun

 

[sswick]

Re: Removed sterndrive, gimbel bearing came along

Gee Don...your making my life more fun every day.
There may be hope. I drained the drive and the oil did not look milky. I then pulled the top cover off and it looks nice and clean inside. So hopefully all I will need is the new yoke along with replacing the gimbel bearing and the U-joints and bellows. I probably should replace the shift cable while I'm there too. Anything else I should do while I have it off? Also, since the gimbel bearing came out when I pulled the drive, do you think the race would of been damaged?
Thanks again for all the help gang.

 

[Don S]

Re: Removed sterndrive, gimbel bearing came along

I then pulled the top cover off and it looks nice and clean inside

Sure hope you put a new oring on that cap, otherwise........... well, never mind, don't want to "Over Fun Ya"

 

[sswick]

Re: Removed sterndrive, gimbel bearing came along

I'm replacing everything else so I will replace that too. I'm more of a auto guy and so I figure boat repair isn't that far off. Yeah right. It's somewhat new to me and I want to do it right. That why I like forums so much and trust the input I get. Everyone has been very helpful and I appreciate that. Bear with me.
Next question...Should there be much resistance in the drive when I turn the yoke or should it be "spin free". I'm asking because when I turn it, there is some resistance and the prop isn't spinning, so I am assuming it is in neutral after pulling the drive...and yes I did put it in forward before removing it. . Hard to explain the amount but it does drag a bit.
Am I sounding like a total newbie yet?
Thanks again.
Steve