Gimbal bearing won't stay pressed

[brian36578]

I just completed a full restoration on my boat last weekend (Stringers, motor mounts, transom, deck and rebuilt the sterndrive). I replaced the gimbal bearing, bellows, upper steering pin and all required gaskets on my Gen 1 Alpha one. I took the boat out everyday Monday - Thursday. On Wednesday I noticed a slight knocking sound and slight vibration when I was pulling back up to the boat ramp and the outdrives were up. I figured it was probably because of the extreme angle on the U-joints. Then on Thursday, the knocking/vibration got worse to the point I could notice it when ever the trim was anywhere but down and the steering straight getting progressively worse the more I trimmed it up or turned. This morning I took the outdrive off and the gimbal bearing came out with it! I know I drove it home when I installed it but it did seem to go in fairly easy, it only took 2 blows to become fully seated and they weren't even really hard hits. Is there an oversize gimbal bearing I can buy or a sleeve that can installed inside the gimbal housing? There has to be some kind of a fix other than replacing the gimbal housing.

 

[Alumarine]

Did you install the bearing with the tolerance ring that came with it?
2 light blows doesn't sound tight enough.

 

[brian36578]

Yes, and when I removed the old gimbal bearing, the tolerance ring was folded over/not installed properly which may have removed more material from the housing. I cleaned it up with emory cloth. Right now, I can install the gimbal bearing in about half way by hand.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Go 'round the housin' where the bearin' sits with a prick-punch, punchin; divots into the housin',....

With the right amount of divots, it's again be a resistance fit, as it should be,.....

 

[alldodge]

They do make .001 to .010 aluminum shim stock. Never had anyone try it, but my guess is it could be done so long as it didn't curl up on the back side and keep the bearing from seating.

 

[Rick Stephens]

I would no the knurling with the pin punch as well. One day you will be replacing the housing when that no longer fixes things tight.

 

[alldodge]

Had a brain fart from Rick's post

Put the bearing in as-is, then take the boat to a welding shop that does aluminum and let then spot weld it in a few spots. My thought is, if it ever needs another bearing, your going to be replacing the assembly anyway

 

[Rick Stephens]

Had a brain fart from Rick's post

Put the bearing in as-is, then take the boat to a welding shop that does aluminum and let then spot weld it in a few spots. My thought is, if it ever needs another bearing, your going to be replacing the assembly anyway

My post was suposed to say 'do' not 'no'. Can't hurt to weld it. Might get another four five years out of it. Weld it with just the bearing carrier.

One other thought - might check it with a different brand bearing just in case that one is somehow undersized.

 

[Fun Times]

What year or serial number is the transom assembly and what gimbal bearing part number did you buy?

 

[Scott06]

Think Bondo has the right idea- 'staking' the ID of the transom housing, you could put some loctite 609 on the bearing before installing it. It's made to hold bearings on shafts and housings and come apart later. This has worked for me on many gear boxes shafts and bearings at work.

 

[brian36578]

The boat is a 1990 and transom assembly serial number is 0C816733. The gimbal bearing is from the Alpha One Gen I Bellows kit from SEI. Has anyone had issues with their gimbal bearing not fitting correctly? I wouldn't be surprised, the trim cylinders I ordered from them were both leaking through the casting.

 

[mr300z87]

If it were me I would buy the OE bearing and see how it fits. I use only Merc OE parts on my boats as I have not had good success with aftermarket boat or car parts.

 

[alldodge]

Don't see an issue with the bearing from SEI, if it was from Sierra then could be

 

[brian36578]

Thanks for all the advise everyone. I tried putting divots in it with the bell housing still on but its a pain trying to get back that far with a punch and leave a good mark so the bellows might be coming off to do this. I have one more pry bar I'll try first before doing that. I also will be picking up an OE merc gimbal bearing as well.