140 Merc Gimbal Bearing Question

[bmiszuk]

I've got a mid 70's Merc 140hp I/O that been making noises. Last night I pulled the drive off and the gimbal bearing is bad (rough when I turn it). However the entire --- bearing? moves forward and backward 1/8" or 1/4" in the housing. I'm not talking about the inner race, it's a circular thing about 3-4" in diameter.<br /><br />Does this indicate something else has failed? I have the manual but am not quite sure how to proceed.<br /><br />Thanks.<br /><br />Bob.

 

[Trent]

Re: 140 Merc Gimbal Bearing Question

That's the bearing...Take a look at this.<br /><br /> Gimble Bearing

 

[bmiszuk]

Re: 140 Merc Gimbal Bearing Question

I see that picture, but it shows that outer ring as if the ring is going to stay in place and only the inner part of the bearing comes out. Does the ring come out also?<br /><br />That ring is the part that's loose in my situation, not just the inner part that the picture shows being removed and installed.<br /><br />Thanks for the reply.<br /><br />Bob.

 

[Mufasa]

Re: 140 Merc Gimbal Bearing Question

Getting the bearing out requires a special puller. You will need professional help with this one. After it is replaced it needs to be realinged to install the drive. It may have been seized and spun inside the housing, hogging it out a little bit. Get the bearing out and give it a good look.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 140 Merc Gimbal Bearing Question

The outer ring Is part of the replacement bearing.... If it's loose in the housing, the housing Must be replaced... This is a Press-fit bearing...

 

[bmiszuk]

Re: 140 Merc Gimbal Bearing Question

Thanks bondo. I'll tear it apart further to see how bad things are.<br /><br />Bob.

 

[FatBack]

Re: 140 Merc Gimbal Bearing Question

A three prong reverse slidehammer is all you need to get the entire assmbly out. Be careful not grab a hold of the inner seal behind the bearing. You may have to put muscle into it to get it out. If the darn thing won't come, tie a rope on to the slide and go to it. Putting it back is easier. I built a tool using steel pipe with a screw on flare connector on one end and a cap on the other. Pressed in bearing finger tight and took the pipe a drove it the rest of the way. You can tell when it seats. Also, i put foam tape on the flared end so as to not bugger the bearing. As cheap as the whole bearing assembly is, I'd just replace it all. Good Luck

 

[bmiszuk]

Re: 140 Merc Gimbal Bearing Question

FYI, this is how it all ended.<br /><br />Removed the bellhousing also to replace busted water hose. Used two-prong slidehammer to remove gimbal bearing and carrier -- it was all totally shot. Replaced seal behind bearing also. New bearing went in nicely.<br /><br />FINALLY got all the bellows back together and new water line installed. Shift cable was bad so replaced that also ($$$!). Could not reinstall outdrive -- got halfway into the splines and stopped.<br /><br />After much struggling, came up with the idea of pulling spark plugs from engine and turning prop to turn engine and splines while pushing on the drive. Drive seated into place and that's that!<br /><br />Now to take it out and try everything...

 

[Bondo]

Re: 140 Merc Gimbal Bearing Question

Sounds like you did a Great job of your repair....<br />But, You don't mention, so I'll ask....<br />Did you Check,+ Align the new gimbal bearing to the engine coupler ????<br />If you didn't, You Really Should....<br />Not doing it will Destroy your new bearing,+ the coupler....<br />Did the outer housing of the bearing go in Tight ??

 

[bmiszuk]

Re: 140 Merc Gimbal Bearing Question

No, didn't check alignment. I thought it wouldn't go in if the alignment was wrong?<br /><br />Yes, the new bearing/carrier went in tight.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 140 Merc Gimbal Bearing Question

Whoa......<br />You'll Smoke All that Hard Work,+ Money....<br />The Outdrive/Coupler connection is a Slip Fit....That's why you Grease the coupler... Did you Slather a handful of Grease on the Input shaft ???<br />Just because you barely managed to get it in, Is reason enough to pull it appart,+ Align It...<br />This adjustment is done with 1/8th or 1/4 turns on the motor mount..... Compared to what you've already Spent... The Tool would be a Cheap investment....

 

[bmiszuk]

Re: 140 Merc Gimbal Bearing Question

Yep, I put a bunch of grease on the shaft.<br /><br />Sigh. I'll get the alignment tool, or try to borrow one. Thanks for the replies even though it's not exactly what I wanted ot hear!<br /><br />Bob.