Gimbal bearing seal removal?

[harringtondav]

I've got this one behind me, but need tips b4 the next time. I always change the transom seal with the gimbal brg. But my slide hammer jaws slip on the rubber. Last time I had the engine out and pushed it out from inside. Any suggestions for improved pulling?

 

[alldodge]

always change the transom seal with the gimbal brg

You change the transom seal (item 14) every time the gimbal is changed, or the oil seal (item 9)?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... If yer talkin' 'bout #9, I never change it,....

If it comes out, I toss it,.... If it stays in place, I leave it alone,.....

It does little to nothin' anyways,..... If there, it Might slow the purged bearin' grease from comin' into the boat,.... or not,....

 

[harringtondav]

#9. Don't have my manuals @ the river. I figured it slowed bilge flooding from a bad bellows or catastrophe, or kept a rainwater flooded bilge from back feeding the gimbal brg

 

[alldodge]

Yep I don't replace them either. If water makes it in the drive shaft bellows you need U joints in most cases. The seal was to help keep grease from oozing into the bilge and to help keep dirt out of the area, or at least that's how I looked at it

 

[Rick Stephens]

besides that, there is a passage for excess grease if it gets under pressure to bypass that seal altogether. They don't serve much purpose with sealed bearings.

 

[harringtondav]

besides that, there is a passage for excess grease if it gets under pressure to bypass that seal altogether. They don't serve much purpose with sealed bearings.

Yes. Noticed that hole when my engine was out. Blew my theory away. My seal stays forever. Still don't like permalube anything. I want to see the old grease coming out to inspect, and know good grease is replacing in

 

[alldodge]

Yes. Noticed that hole when my engine was out. Blew my theory away. My seal stays forever. Still don't like permalube anything. I want to see the old grease coming out to inspect, and know good grease is replacing in

I'm with you, my 95 Rinker still has the original bearing (and seal) and still doing fine with each yearly check. Did buy up 2 other of the old style, just in case I ever need one

 

[harringtondav]

I'm with you, my 95 Rinker still has the original bearing (and seal) and still doing fine with each yearly check. Did buy up 2 other of the old style, just in case I ever need one

Sierra still sells the greasable brg. 18-2100 Merc now only sells the sealed gimbal brg. Sierra too, for $10 more. 18-21001. Sierra is the same Link Belt part. Merc. doesn't mfg. bearings.
Good for you an the 23 yr. old gimbal brg. I've always believed that gimbal brgs and U joints are lifetime, assuming no water, abusive driving, and periodic maintenance. You clearly have the maintenance part nailed down. Keep on.