Alpha one gen 1 gimbal bearing question

[Jussi-T.]

Hi, I am doing a full service to my transom assembly. Paint, new bushings, steering shaft, trim senders, bellows and gimbal bearing.
I have a question about the gimbal bearing. The old bearing was installed like this :
the two notches were pointing outwards. I mean I could see the notches when the stern drive was removed.
I found this site:Gimbal Bearing Replacement
There is told that models after 1984 the bearing was installed with the notches inward. Mine is 1989. The question is was the old bearing installed the wrong way round? And should I install the new bearing like this ( the notches pointing inwards.)

What would you do?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha one gen 1 gimbal bearing question

Hi, I am doing a full service to my transom assembly. Paint, new bushings, steering shaft, trim senders, bellows and gimbal bearing.
I have a question about the gimbal bearing. The old bearing was installed like this :
View attachment 226329 the two notches were pointing outwards. I mean I could see the notches when the stern drive was removed.
I found this site:Gimbal Bearing Replacement
There is told that models after 1984 the bearing was installed with the notches inward. Mine is 1989. The question is was the old bearing installed the wrong way round? And should I install the new bearing like this View attachment 226330 ( the notches pointing inwards.)

What would you do?

Ayuh,... Install the new one, notches Inward/ forward facin',...

 

[Jussi-T.]

Re: Alpha one gen 1 gimbal bearing question

Thanks Bondo!!

Here is a link to my restoration project: http://forums.iboats.com/boat-resto...t-170-classic-89-full-restoration-600296.html

 

[achris]

Re: Alpha one gen 1 gimbal bearing question

The change was made because too many 'mechanics' were just pulling out the centre section of the bearing and replacing that. Which leads to problems down the road. So Merc started installing them with the notches inwards, so the bearing can't just be flipped sideways and pulled out without the carrier. (see attached service bulletin).

The bearing and cartridge are symmetrical, so as far as operations go, either way around will work fine with no problems, but the 'correct' way is notches facing forward/inwards...

HTH,

Chris.....
View attachment 85_26.pdf

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Alpha one gen 1 gimbal bearing question

The yellow dot should come to rest in the 10:00 o'clock position when aligning the grease hole.

 

[Jussi-T.]

Re: Alpha one gen 1 gimbal bearing question

Ok, thanks achris, I'll install the bearing notches facing forward

Fun Times: The bearing I have is a Quicksilver OEM bearing that does not have the grease hole. It is "lubricated for life". So I think it doesn't matter where you position this yellow dot. But if it had the grease hole, shouldn't the dot position in the 4 o'clock? At least the grease hole must position to 4 o'clock..

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Alpha one gen 1 gimbal bearing question

Fun Times: The bearing I have is a Quicksilver OEM bearing that does not have the grease hole. It is "lubricated for life". So I think it doesn't matter where you position this yellow dot. But if it had the grease hole, shouldn't the dot position in the 4 o'clock? At least the grease hole must position to 4 o'clock..

One would think that about the dot but not in this case. And your right the grease hole is/would be at 4 o'clock.

Now I haven't heard or read anything new about installing the permalube gimbal bearing in an exact order but if it was me installing the new bearing, I still would put the dot at 10:00 o'clock just so I could sleep better knowing I did my best at keeping it by the book even if it may not apply anymore. But that's just me.

For confirmation of why I say that, have a look at page 3 of 6. Read the Important highlighted in black. And yes this bulletin is before the new style permalube gimbal bearing. The dot has been at 10:00 o'clock long before this service bulletin came out too.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Bullet/00/00_08.pdf

Also since you have the permalube gimbal bearing it becomes your call if you would like to keep the grease/dust seal behind the bearing or not as they say you don't need it anymore.

 

[Jussi-T.]

Re: Alpha one gen 1 gimbal bearing question

Ok, Seems that the dot MUST be at 10 o'clock and THEN the grease hole is at 4 o'clock, sorry my bad Yup, I will position the dot at 10 o'clock, just for sure And I am going to use the grease seal behind the bearing. I actually bought a new one and I have already installed it. I thought it would prevent water to come into the bilge in case of the u-joint bellows starts to leak. Well not prevent, but at least slow it down maybe..

 

[achris]

Re: Alpha one gen 1 gimbal bearing question

You also need to remove the grease nipple and install the SS plug that came in the bearing box....

 

[Jussi-T.]

Re: Alpha one gen 1 gimbal bearing question

You also need to remove the grease nipple and install the SS plug that came in the bearing box....

Well, I read that there should come a plug with this kit but I can't find it... I am not sure if I have missed it because i bought this kit over a year ago, or was it never even there, but I don't have it. But I think that's not a big deal since I know there aren't no grease hole, so I won't try to press grease in to it.