99 mercruiser alpha one drive

[tgvector64]

I am replacing the impeller and pump housing for a friend. when I pulled the pump housing off I grabbed the drive shaft to pick up the lower unit and noticed it has a lot of slop vertically and horizontally.when I lift on the shaft and spin it it spins smoothly, when I let go the shaft drops about a 1/8 of an inch and spins roughly,. I have replaced a few impellers just not mercury and have never seen a driveshaft this sloppy. I would say its not normal just want a second opinion.

Thanks.

 

[achris]

Sounds normal. The top bearing in the housing is installed so as the gears drive apart (under load) the bearing sits up and runs properly.

 

[tgvector64]

Thank you very much, Being the lower unit oil was spotless I had a inkling that was the way it was supposed to be. Just didn't want to put it all back together if there was an underlying problem.