Gimbal bearing noise ?

[supercab78]

I have a 1984 merc 140 IO. Is it possible for a gimbal bearing only to make noise ( it's a grumble- whine type noise) when engaged in a gear? When in neutral it is not noticable. History of boat, I bought last August, we used it four times and I thought I heard a noise at the time. It was hard to tell for sure because the engine cover was rotted and off as was the floor. After finishing the floor and interior I installed a new impeller pump greased gimbal checked u-jounts. On our maiden voyage today every was fine for about 2 hours. When idling back to ramp I could hear a noise again. We did not hear anything when leaving the ramp.

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimbal bearing noise ?

It's possible, pull the drive and check the ujoints and gimbal bearing. That's the best way to find out for sure.

 

[backyard mechanic]

Re: Gimbal bearing noise ?

If the engine is running the upper drive shaft is turning as is the gimbel bearing becaue of the drive shaft running in it. Yo may hear more noise if you turn the drive one way or another or perhaps, raise/lower the drive.

In short; the gears in the drive unit are always turning whenever the engine is running. Putting a load on them MAY change that noise. If you pull the unit off and run it without the LU on you'd be able to tell if it is unit noise. Could be a noise associated with alignment and "feeling" the gimbel bearing will give you a pretty good indication of a good or bad bearing.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: Gimbal bearing noise ?

I will agree . pull the drive. I would also change the bellows while I was there. You can find transom kits fairly cheap. Replace the gimbal and bellows, check the u-joints lube with the correct grease. Automotive grease will take on water and turn it white. That will help rust up your new bearings. Get an alignment tool and check your alignment while your there. These are also cheap off of ebay. Or you could have someone make you one. Search out the measurements here.

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimbal bearing noise ?

Why are you replying to a 2008 thread? Read the archives, don't reply to them.