Gimbal bearing, bellows, u-joints - what else?

[otterby]

I have an '05 VP SX-M drive. I recently noticed that the drive was making noise and was much worse around 3000 RPM and turning right. I pulled the drive off and am pretty sure it's the gimbal bearing. When I spun the bearing by hand it was smooth but made a little noise. I'm going to take the boat in to get a new bearing installed and aligned properly. I'm sure I can handle replacing the bellows and u-joints and reinstalling the drive. Is there anything else that should be done at this time besides the bearing, bellows and u-joints?

 

[otterby]

Re: Gimbal bearing, bellows, u-joints - what else?

Well, it looks like the dealer can't replace the bearing until almost August so it looks like I'll be doing it on my own. Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Does the bearing simply drive out. It almost looks like there is some sort of retainer holding it in with a couple notches in it?

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimbal bearing, bellows, u-joints - what else?

A slide hammer with a 3 jaw chuck makes quick work of removing the bearing.



Lots of information on tools, alignment, etc. in the adults only sticky. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=329915
May say Mercruiser, but the info is all the same.

 

[otterby]

Re: Gimbal bearing, bellows, u-joints - what else?

Thanks Don! In the picture of the puller and bearing is there a notch in the outside of the bearing? I'm just not sure if what I'm looking at all comes out together with the puller or it there's some sort of retainer to remove first? Also, when installing is the alignment done with the installation tool and do you have any tips for that.

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimbal bearing, bellows, u-joints - what else?

The notches there are for assembly of the bearing at the factory, not replacing half a bearing in the boat.

 

[otterby]

Re: Gimbal bearing, bellows, u-joints - what else?

Thanks. Any idea where I can buy a bearing? I'm having a heck of a time finding it online.

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimbal bearing, bellows, u-joints - what else?

Scroll back up to your original post in this thread. Then click on the button that says Volvo Penta parts.:facepalm: Your choice ORM or aftermarket. Best to look up the part in the OEM section to make sure an aftermarket part is the right one.

Selling marine parts is what iboats does to be able to afford to give you this free forum.