Hello all,
First post and I have to say, this is a great site with a wealth of information. I have read about a hundred of the 500 posts referencing gimble bearing and still find myself asking this question.
A little background. Purchased boat new in 2000 with a VP SX-M outdrive. First season, last day on the water, I was trimmed up nice on a perfectly smooth morning and noticed what felt like an oscillating vibration through the steering wheel and maybe through the entire hull. Didn't remember that all season. Could have been that way all along. Took it back to the dealer for some other warranty stuff and asked if that was normal. Three days later they had the outdrive off and an entire new one on its way. I guess it's not normal. Picked up the boat, took it to the local lake and same oscillating vibration. Maybe now it IS normal?!? Ran it for the season and then took it to a different Authorized repair dealer with the same question. They told me the ujoints were rusted and replaced the u joint/shaft assembly and could not find any leaks to allow water in the bellows. Can't remember of they replaced the gimble bearing but I'm thinking not. Took it out and the same vibration is still there. I've accepted the vibration for years now and haven't had a problem one. First weekend out this season and it just seems worse. Brought it home and pulled the drive expecting to need gimbel and u joints (after reading everyone's posts on vibration) but now I'm not sure. U joints seem fine, no rust or evidence of water in the bellows, spin easily and no play. The gimble on the other hand, spins perfect with no hitches but there is slight play axially for lack of a better word. Now, according to the manual:
"Gimbal Bearing - Rollers must spin freely and hub must pivot in all directions, inner diameter must be free of corrosion."
The hub does not "pivot" in any direction unless you count the minimal axial play I'm feeling. If it were a wheel bearing I would say it shouldn't have ANY play like this but based on the manual I'm now confused.
I realize it is difficult to describe but what should I feel when I put my fingers through the bearing and check?
By the way, the drive has had the fluids changed every 40 hours but the drive has only been off every other year (80 hours) for gimble greasing and joint inspection. I now know the importance of alignment but can admit that it hasn't been done by me in the past 5 years. Always slides back in easily and there is no spline wear on the shaft or coupler. I have a tool on order and plan to use it every time.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan
First post and I have to say, this is a great site with a wealth of information. I have read about a hundred of the 500 posts referencing gimble bearing and still find myself asking this question.
A little background. Purchased boat new in 2000 with a VP SX-M outdrive. First season, last day on the water, I was trimmed up nice on a perfectly smooth morning and noticed what felt like an oscillating vibration through the steering wheel and maybe through the entire hull. Didn't remember that all season. Could have been that way all along. Took it back to the dealer for some other warranty stuff and asked if that was normal. Three days later they had the outdrive off and an entire new one on its way. I guess it's not normal. Picked up the boat, took it to the local lake and same oscillating vibration. Maybe now it IS normal?!? Ran it for the season and then took it to a different Authorized repair dealer with the same question. They told me the ujoints were rusted and replaced the u joint/shaft assembly and could not find any leaks to allow water in the bellows. Can't remember of they replaced the gimble bearing but I'm thinking not. Took it out and the same vibration is still there. I've accepted the vibration for years now and haven't had a problem one. First weekend out this season and it just seems worse. Brought it home and pulled the drive expecting to need gimbel and u joints (after reading everyone's posts on vibration) but now I'm not sure. U joints seem fine, no rust or evidence of water in the bellows, spin easily and no play. The gimble on the other hand, spins perfect with no hitches but there is slight play axially for lack of a better word. Now, according to the manual:
"Gimbal Bearing - Rollers must spin freely and hub must pivot in all directions, inner diameter must be free of corrosion."
The hub does not "pivot" in any direction unless you count the minimal axial play I'm feeling. If it were a wheel bearing I would say it shouldn't have ANY play like this but based on the manual I'm now confused.
I realize it is difficult to describe but what should I feel when I put my fingers through the bearing and check?
By the way, the drive has had the fluids changed every 40 hours but the drive has only been off every other year (80 hours) for gimble greasing and joint inspection. I now know the importance of alignment but can admit that it hasn't been done by me in the past 5 years. Always slides back in easily and there is no spline wear on the shaft or coupler. I have a tool on order and plan to use it every time.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan