1987 Mercruiser Gimbal Bearings

[mcook5]

hello!
I ordered a whole stern drive seal kit and the seller was only going to sell me the center gimbal bearing piece. I asked why and they stated that it is very tricky, "very breakable", when the whole piece is replaced. They will send it to me if I ask them to, but I wanted to see what you guys thought. I heard a gimbal puller is the best way to do it, but I read-up and they are not cheap at all. Should I just replace the center?
Also, for the seal kit, I have access to a mercruiser "spine" that helps to keep the alignment of everything in place when the stern drive is removed to replace the bellows. Is this the same tool as the gimbal puller? Or something totally different? Is the "spine" tricky to use? Thanks!

 

[ziggy]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser Gimbal Bearings

to decide weather yer gimble brg. needs replaced. after ya got the drive off. stick yer hand back in there and spin the brg. if it isn't absolutly smooth, like can't feel anything when ya spin it. it's good. if ya can feel it at all. it need to be replaced. any signs (rust) of water intrusion into the bellows area and it should be replaced too. to replace yer brg. ya can use the gimble brg. puller that's real pricey. or i went down and rented a 5 1/2lb three jaw puller. to reinstall it. the oem brg. driver that merc has works real well. i got away with borrowing that from my dealer. the alignment bar is the other tool ya need. its so ya can get the alignment right. if it's not. proper. it can lead to coupler failer. don't know if the alignment bar is tricky to use. but if ya havn't used one before. ya'll play with it a while prior to gettin the feel of how it slides into the coupler. and when it feels proper entering the coupler. ya use spline grease on the alignment bar to help ya decide if yer spot on, or need to do further adj.
as far as replaceing just the brg. only. ya might read this.........
http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/mnetdata/Service/Cruiser/Bullet/85/85_26.pdf
after reading that, it's yer choice. cheap or proper.....

 

[mcook5]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser Gimbal Bearings

I appreciate the assistance. It sounds really involved, but I'll see what I can do. Thanks Again.

 

[discgolf702]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser Gimbal Bearings

I rented a three jaw puller with a slide hammer from autozone worked great came out in about five pulls

 

[bigbob_FTW]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser Gimbal Bearings

I rented a three jaw puller with a slide hammer from autozone worked great came out in about five pulls

Second that one. Its free too.