Gimbal bearing replacement ?

[gtfireftr]

So I am going to reinstall my engines this afternoon... (hopefully anyway),,,,,
I was poking around the transom assemblies, and I see that my port gimbal bearing is tight, and making some noise...
I looked in adult section and I see nothing on gimbal bearing replacement....
Do I really need all the fancy gimbal tools, or can I change this thing with a slide hammer....
Also is there a difference between the Merc stuff and aftermarket.... Part number would be greatly appreciated....
Reinstalling is another question... just tap in it with a hammer and 3/8 extension, or should I use something different....

Thank You

 

[alldodge]

Pulling the bearing with a slide hammer is fine. Only thing to try a pay close attention to is it needs to be hammered straight out. If the outer surface of the bearing cocks a bit it can get stuck. The bearing would then need to be tapped back in flat and try again.

Look here for other bearing puller ideas
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...rives/481978-home-made-special-tools?t=470339

Engine alignment how to's
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...es-outdrives/455000-engine-alignment-how-to-s

Other alignment and stuff and also tool to install bearing near bottom
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...miscellaneous-mercruiser-information?t=329915

 

[Bt Doctur]

just tap in it with a hammer and 3/8 extension
NEVER
To install it you need to use a driver that uses the outer part of the tolerance ring, NEVER on the bearing

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... 'n yer gonna need an alignment bar to finish the job, once the motors are back in,...

 

[tpenfield]

Special tools rule with I/O's and outboards. Best to get the right stuff . . . bearing puller, installer and alignment tool.

 

[Jmunk]

I rented a 3 jaw slide hammer from the auto parts store for free to remove. I used a large socket with an extension to drive new one in. I think the socket was around 2 1/4" or so. Socket only touched the outer race. I have a thread on it with a few pictures if you look around.

 

[Bt Doctur]

You have to make certain your putting the force on the tolerance ring and not any part of the bearing.Heres a tool I made notice the hammer marks on the collar

 

[gtfireftr]

Thanks Bt Doc, and other replies....
Is the Sierra 18-2100 the correct gimbal bearing?
My serial number is 0K074533
THanks

 

[alldodge]

Yes, that is correct

 

[gtfireftr]

Thanks