Gimbal Bearing

[neilmw]

Is there a grease nipple for this bearing or is it just a case of reaching inside the bellows and smearing it all over?

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Gimbal Bearing

I can tell you if it's an OMC cobra, there will be a fitting on the housing, if you're standing behind the boat it'll be on the right side of the housing near the transom. Merc is there too I think. You didn't say what drive you have.

 

[orrismic]

Re: Gimbal Bearing

I've always wondered how often and how much grease should I pump in there? I have a 1990 OMC 3.0.

 

[qystan]

Re: Gimbal Bearing

For the Alphas' its on the transom assembly, about 4 o'clock position. There's a grease nipple<br /><br />Note that since Merc added teflon to their 2-4-C grease, they have issued a SB SMC-94-13 stating that this is no longer 'recommended' and the correct grease is their U-Joint & Gimbal Bearing Grease, 828052A3 (3.5oz) or A4 (14 oz).

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Gimbal Bearing

orrismic, I've heard every 50 hours is a good interval to hit it with the grease gun. Sure can't hurt anything! If it's got a nipple, I tend to grease it every 2-4 weeks, that includes the gimble, trailer hubs, trailer tongue jack, etc... just grab the gun and walk around the boat in a circle! <br /><br />I use my boat 3-4 times a week at least, so this may be overkill for you, but it works for me!

 

[orrismic]

Re: Gimbal Bearing

Steve,<br /><br />How much do you pump into the gimble bearing fitting?<br /><br />Thanks<br />M

 

[summit1]

Re: Gimbal Bearing

_________________________________________________<br />"Note that since Merc added teflon to their 2-4-C grease, they have issued a SB SMC-94-13 stating that this is no longer 'recommended' and the correct grease is their U-Joint & Gimbal Bearing Grease, 828052A3 (3.5oz) or A4 (14 oz). "<br />_________________________________________________<br /><br />What is a 'SB SMC-94-13'?<br /><br />The grease I have does not have those numbers on it, but it is not merc grease either. What I have is Penzoil Marine grease....will that work for greasing the outdrive zirts and the gimble?<br /><br />Bondo says 'any grease is better than no grease at all', but I want to make sure I use the right stuff.

 

[summit1]

Re: Gimbal Bearing

And, how do you know when you pumped enough grease in there???

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Gimbal Bearing

I pump about 4-6 pumps into the bearing. When I had the outdrive off back in March/April and could see the bearing it didn't take much to get the grease to start oozing out of the bearing.

 

[summit1]

Re: Gimbal Bearing

Thanks Steve! I have searched the threads on this topic and the census says just grease it with something, cause it is better than nothing. Is there any grease I can buy at Napa or Autozone, etc. that meets the Merc standard for u-joint and gimble grease referenced above? I have penzoil marine grease, but have a feeling this might not be the best stuff. Merc grease is hard to find around here.

 

[neilmw]

Re: Gimbal Bearing

Cheers peeps, managed to find it