1998 90 hp Mercury Force drive shaft lower bearing race removal and installation advice needed

[Del mar]

Hello Members, I'm currently in the process of rebuilding the lower unit of a neighbors 1998 Mercury Force 90 hp outboard. I am in need of advice as to how I can remove and replace the races for the lower drive shaft cone bearing and the forward gear bearing race. Thank you in advance for any and all responses.

 

[Del mar]

Hello Members, I'm currently in the process of rebuilding the lower unit of a neighbors 1998 Mercury Force 90 hp outboard. I am in need of advice as to how I can remove and replace the races for the lower drive shaft cone bearing and the forward gear bearing race. Thank you in advance for any and all responses.

I guess this question is something that few, if any, have experience with. The lower drive shaft bearing OEM p/n is 31-42677A1 and the bearing race is only visible on the prop output side of the gearcase housing via a slot on that side of the drive shaft housing looking down from the top and must be removed towards the prop shaft housing. I have asked a couple of mechanics at dealerships and they don't know either. If anyone knows of a available manual that would show how to remove the races, I very much would appreciate that information. Thank you!

 

[schematic]

I made a long set of jaws for a 2 jaw puller, to get the forward gear race out. I also had to machine a split driver for the pinion race. If you are interested, I can post pictures. The tools are available at a high cost from merc.

 

[Del mar]

I made a long set of jaws for a 2 jaw puller, to get the forward gear race out. I also had to machine a split driver for the pinion race. If you are interested, I can post pictures. The tools are available at a high cost from merc.

Thank you so very much for your reply. Yes, I would appreciate it very much if you would post the photo's of the tools that you made.

 

[Faztbullet]

Need a slide hammer and jaws.....common Merc tool.

 

[Del mar]

Need a slide hammer and jaws.....common Merc tool.
View attachment 348452

I can easily see how the internal gear puller and slide hammer will pull the forward gear bearing race out and appreciate your reply very much. But, I can't quite understand how the smaller item is used to remove the lower pinion bearing race. Thank you !!

 

[Faztbullet]

The pinion bearing drives out (not reusable) and new one is pulled in with driver,threaded rod and plate.

 

[schematic]

Thank you so very much for your reply. Yes, I would appreciate it very much if you would post the photo's of the tools that you made.