Gimbal Bearing Loose in Housing

[Glevans1]

I'm having a problem with the Volvo drive (DP SMI 95 M22) in my 2000 Skagit Orca with a 5.7 GSi PEFS engine. I had been getting growling noises during turns that was becoming increasingly louder, so I had a mechanic change out the U-joints, gimball bearing and bellows. We noticed that the gimball bearing came out with the shaft when the drive was pulled. Not a good thing apparently. We decided to continue with the job using some sort of compound in the bearing housing to try and keep it in place. The mechanic stated that the bearing seemed to go in in a normal way and was tight. This was done less than 40 engine hours ago and I am starting to hear the same sounds again. Very noticeable even at slow (1100 rpm) speed turning.

I will be pulling the leg again in a couple of days to inspect things and wanted to advice on what to look for and what to expect in terms of fixing this. Are there sleeves that can be used in the housing - or is that even a good idea? What is involved in replacing the housing? Engine removal?

Any help or suggestions much appreciated. Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimbal Bearing Loose in Housing

If there was water in the bellows, then the shaft was probably rusted to the bearing which is why it came out with the drive. If it goes in normal, I wouldn't worry about it. New orings and some oil on the shaft and you should be good.

 

[Glevans1]

Re: Gimbal Bearing Loose in Housing

Thanks for that info, Don. It helps with the answer for why that bearing came out. I still need to find out why I still have a problem with the new bearing. Why do I have the growling noise after only 35 hours of use? Could it be an alignment problem? The mechanic used the shaft to check the alignment (not an alignment tool). Was that good enough? What do I need to look at or check when I have it apart? Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimbal Bearing Loose in Housing

Pull the drive off and look for water in the bellows again. A new bearing that is good will not make noise, even if out of alignment.

Was the bellows replaced the first time? If your mechanic doesn't have an alignment bar, I wonder what else he missed due to lack of knowledge.

 

[Glevans1]

Re: Gimbal Bearing Loose in Housing

Hi Don

The bellows, gimbal bearing and u-joints were all replaced the first time. I'm just trying to figure out what to look for when we have it apart so that I don't have to go through this again. If there is no water in there, what else can I look at to find out why I'm having this problem so soon after the first repair?

The mobile mechanic I used was certified and does seem to know his stuff (although I hear you about not having a proper alignment tool).

I will post after pulling the rive. Thanks

 

[Glevans1]

Re: Gimbal Bearing Loose in Housing

Don

Forgot to say that, as a non mechanic, the noise would seem to be associated with the u-joints. Could that happen in such a short time?

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimbal Bearing Loose in Housing

If you are in salt water, it would be no problem for the ujoints to be noisy as well. Rust and bearings just doesn't mix.

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimbal Bearing Loose in Housing

One other way for water to get into the bellows is through the grease tube for the gimbal bearing. Some leak, no matter how you try to seal the tube. Have look at this thread for a possible fix if your bellows is good. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=380502

 

[Glevans1]

Re: Gimbal Bearing Loose in Housing

OK....here's a quick update on my problem. Pulled the drive, no water in the bellows. The gimbal bearing came off again as the drive was pulled. Gimbal housing bearing seat shows wear with grooves. Cant really think of any fix for that so pulled the engine for housing removal and replacement. Was able to locate a good used housing for $200. I guess the only question I have now is whether to replace the gimbal bearing as well when I reassemble. The one that came out only has about 35 hrs on it but it was probably rattling around in there. Seems fine, but I will try to see if one is available around here to be safe.

Thanks for the input.

 

[dypcdiver]

Re: Gimbal Bearing Loose in Housing

The main part that grips is the convoluted stainless sleeve that is fitted to the alloy outer housing of the bearing, make sure that is in good condition before refitting. You can see the marks in the photos that Don's link refers to. Oh, and remember to align the gap with the grease entry point.