Volvo Penta SX gimbal bearing issues

S

shepnuts

Seaman Apprentice
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Feb 2, 2007
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I recently purchased a boat with the Volvo Penta SX drive. It recently developed a grumbling sound from the drive that only occured around 2500rpm, and was accentuated in a full turn to starboard. After doing some research I determined it must be a bellows issue with damage to the u joints and gimbal bearing. I removed the drive only to find the u joints appeared fine. The gimbal bearing appears fine from the front, and it turns flawlessly. However, the splines of the drive shaft are rusty between the bearing and the engine. There appears to be no water in the bellows, and not a single rust spot on the u joints or the shaft up to the bearing.

Could water have entered in from the back? I know that alot of water sits in the bilge, and simply forgetting to flip the switch for auto-bilge could have filled it with water. The previous owner had two additional gas tanks on the rear decks totaling 36 gallons. There is also a four-stroke 20hp outboard kicker hanging off the back. When I bought the boat it sat noticably low in the rear. The extra fuel has now been removed.

My plan is to remove the gimbal bearing. I still need to find the correct tool for this. I also understand that I need a tool to install the new gimbal bearing and seal. I found these on another thread through Boatfix.com. Correct tools?

1 SIE189835 DRIVER HEAD SIERRA, INC.: $9.78 $9.78
1 SIE189821 DRIVER HEAD SIERRA, INC.: $24.90 $24.90
1 18-9816 Mandrel SIERRA, INC.: $23.02 $23.02

I have already ordered the alignment tool needed to put the drive back on. I plan to replace the gimbal bearing and u joint bellows. This is a follow up thread from a previous one that I posted. I feel as though I have encountered a new problem, and a different thread was in order. Thank you to all who have helped me thus far. I would love to get this issue taken care of on my own, not only for financial reasons, but also peace of mind while im bobbing around in the middle of the pacific in a 19ft boat!
 

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NHGuy

NHGuy

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Re: Volvo Penta SX gimbal bearing issues

You can rent & return a bearing puller-driver at any Autozone store. Basically you buy it with option for full price refund when it is brought back. A kit is on e-bay for $25.00 too. Bring your new gimbal bearing with you to make sure the driver will push only on the outside of the bearing.
Good Luck and remember when it gets frustrating that you will know how well it was done.
 
B

boat127

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Re: Volvo Penta SX gimbal bearing issues

make sure you get an alignment tool. and grease the drive shaft splines before installing
 
S

shepnuts

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Feb 2, 2007
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Re: Volvo Penta SX gimbal bearing issues

Thanks for the reply guys! I recieved the alignment tool in the mail today. I am still looking for the bearing installer/puller. Unfortunately, I dont think we have an AutoZone on the Big Island of Hawaii, so still looking for that.
 
S

shepnuts

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Re: Volvo Penta SX gimbal bearing issues

I am beginning to think it is the coupler. The previous owner told me that he hit something while underway recently. I understand this can cause coupler damage. I think that I can see some wear on the rubber part of the coupler when I look into the transom. I assume the only way to check this out is to lift the engine?
 
NHGuy

NHGuy

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Re: Volvo Penta SX gimbal bearing issues

Before removing the bad gimbal bearing try the tool at 2 crankshaft angles, doing that will point out any straightness issues. Check alignment at your start point and 180 degrees difference. That needs to happen with the gimbal bearing in the boat. I also checked my tool fit to my coupler when the gimbal was out of the boat. It was a help to know how they go together, it is a very close fit. I believe you use the same gimbal bearing and alignment tool as my boat.
If you search out gimbal replacement in iboats you will see links to a bearing service set for $25 plus shipping. Or you can go e-bay also, you can order fancier sets for a little more, but way less money than the manufacturer would charge.
 
S

shepnuts

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Messages
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Re: Volvo Penta SX gimbal bearing issues

NHGuy said:
Before removing the bad gimbal bearing try the tool at 2 crankshaft angles, doing that will point out any straightness issues. Check alignment at your start point and 180 degrees difference. That needs to happen with the gimbal bearing in the boat. I also checked my tool fit to my coupler when the gimbal was out of the boat. It was a help to know how they go together, it is a very close fit. I believe you use the same gimbal bearing and alignment tool as my boat.
If you search out gimbal replacement in iboats you will see links to a bearing service set for $25 plus shipping. Or you can go e-bay also, you can order fancier sets for a little more, but way less money than the manufacturer would charge.
Click to expand...

Do you think there is any chance the gimbal bearing is bad if it turns smoothly with my finger? It feels perfectly fine to the touch. Also, please explain what you mean when you say "try the tool at 2 crankshaft angles." How do I go about doing this? Did you ever remove your coupler? Thanks.
 
S

shepnuts

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Re: Volvo Penta SX gimbal bearing issues

Just used the alignment tool on the drive today, found out the engine was not in proper alignment. The tool would not hardly enter the coupler. After experimenting with the motor mounts a bit, a friend of mine and I were able to correct the problem, hopefully. The tool slides nicely into the coupler now. I assume this had a big part in the problem.
 
NHGuy

NHGuy

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Re: Volvo Penta SX gimbal bearing issues

To check whether your coupler is bent you manually turn the engine crankshaft 90, 180 and 270 degrees. Try the alignment tool at each angle to see if it slides into the coupler easily each time.
Also nevermind the remark about trying the tool when the gimbal bearing is out. You are not going to remove yours unless you feel some play in it, which you say you don't have!
You say the gimbal bearing turns smoothly, that's great. Now also feel it for bearing side play, which in this instance is fore & aft. If it clicks at all change it. Also I'd grease it now to see if the grease can be observed coming through the seals around the bearing edges. This will confirm that the gimbal is in the housing correctly, if it's not it won't take grease and that leads to early failure.
 
E

ENSIGN

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Re: Volvo Penta SX gimbal bearing issues

The gimbal bearing is most likley the rumbling noise even if it feels smooth.If you are convinced the coupler was the noise start the engine without the drive on.
 
S

shepnuts

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Joined
Feb 2, 2007
Messages
47
Re: Volvo Penta SX gimbal bearing issues

NHGuy said:
To check whether your coupler is bent you manually turn the engine crankshaft 90, 180 and 270 degrees. Try the alignment tool at each angle to see if it slides into the coupler easily each time.
Also nevermind the remark about trying the tool when the gimbal bearing is out. You are not going to remove yours unless you feel some play in it, which you say you don't have!
You say the gimbal bearing turns smoothly, that's great. Now also feel it for bearing side play, which in this instance is fore & aft. If it clicks at all change it. Also I'd grease it now to see if the grease can be observed coming through the seals around the bearing edges. This will confirm that the gimbal is in the housing correctly, if it's not it won't take grease and that leads to early failure.
Click to expand...

So I must take off the ?pivot housing? to access the grease zirk? Thanks for your help. Also, a round spring came out from behind the bearing when I was running my finger along the backside of the bearing. What is that, and how do I put it back???? Thanks again!
 
S

shepnuts

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Joined
Feb 2, 2007
Messages
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Re: Volvo Penta SX gimbal bearing issues

ENSIGN said:
The gimbal bearing is most likley the rumbling noise even if it feels smooth.If you are convinced the coupler was the noise start the engine without the drive on.
Click to expand...

I dont think it was the coupler any more. Is it possible that the bearing was making this noise, but is still good in your opinion? It sure feels good to the touch, and I would love to leave it right where it is if possible. I guess the next step is to figure out the condition of the bearing.
 
C

CascoBay

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Mar 13, 2010
Messages
194
Re: Volvo Penta SX gimbal bearing issues

My boat makes a rumbling noise at that speed as well when I turn the wheel hard. I just put a new bearing in and checked the alignment, and still have the rumbling. Unless it is really really bad I wouldn't worry about it.

Mine is a Volvo as well.
 
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