Gimble Bearing installation...Help Please

[oscardawgg]

I finally got my gimble bearing taken out, had to do the drill method (drill about 16 holes into the previous bearing and finally it came out.) after about 4 hours of numbing slide hammering. It was really stuck in there.

Now i am trying to figure out the best method to put the new one in. I read of ways to do it using a alignment tool, but dont have one. Does anyone have a good way to make the new go in smooth? Thanks for all your help guys and gals. you can read my previous threads to see my status on my boat. I really do appreciate you people for all the help and advice you gave to this first time boat owner.

Here are my too previous threads. Still having issues posting pics too. sorry

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=258255&highlight=baby+poop


http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=268290&highlight=baby+poop

 

[qystan]

Re: Gimble Bearing installation...Help Please

To install, you'll need the installation tool or a bearing driver. You can't use the alignment tool. The hammering action is on the inner race and you'll damage the bearing and the tool. Tool isn't cheap.

Alternatively, gently and patiently tap on the outer race to get it in. Chances are that the bearing will be cocked and not seat fully, so you need to be careful with this. Not recommended procedure but I've seen it being done.


qystan

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimble Bearing installation...Help Please

You're going to have to get an alignment bar, or you never will get the alignment right so you can put the drive back on. You are also going to have to get the tool for installing the bearing as mentioned.
You could also take the boat to a dealer and they could install the gimbal bearing and align the bearing in a short amount of time.

 

[oscardawgg]

Re: Gimble Bearing installation...Help Please

i was afraid of this. I dont really want to go the dealer route since most of the guys around my area are rip off artists. I guess i should go buy more tools.....

Is there any other tools you guys think i need to pick up? Its been too long since my boat was running and frustration is starting to set in now.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Gimble Bearing installation...Help Please

Welcome to the world of mechanics..... why do you think we cost so much? Yes there are certainly rip-offs out there, but there are also many of us that are firm but fair.
There's quite a bit that goes into the pricing of the labor rate hour. But the tooling, is part of that pricing.
I have more invested in tools than a new 3 series costs....
Ask Don how much he's got.

I've done it with a punch many times, but it takes practice to do it (and patience) or else you'll wreck the bearing and the housing. I wouldn't recomend trying it unless you've punched/pressed many a bearing.

 

[JimKaz]

Re: Gimble Bearing installation...Help Please

The last time I did my Alpha 1, I borrowed a home made bearing tool from a boat engine knowledgeable friend - more of a fanatic, really. He took a length of thick walled 4" PVC pipe, glued a cap to one end, and cut the other as straight as possible. He then sanded the open end to fit inside the bearing race (holder) and we used it to drive the bearing in straight. It worked like a charm. The alignment tool is a must and it's made from a blown Alpha upper unit.

 

[bigbob_FTW]

Re: Gimble Bearing installation...Help Please

Use the old bearing race and tap around it in a circle. worked for me.

 

[hoot]

Re: Gimble Bearing installation...Help Please

clean the housing out really good. rub graphite powder in the housing where the outer race slides. put the bearing in a plastic bag and in the freezer overnite to shrink the outer race. rub graphite on the bearing race. you will need a driver tool that fits the outer race and sticks out the back and a big hammer. be sure to mark where the grease hole is for proper alignment to the housing. good luck.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Gimble Bearing installation...Help Please

The alignment tool is a must and it's made from a blown Alpha upper unit.

An old input shaft will not work the same - how did you "read" the grease to determine alignment?

Get a real alignment tool, or have one made. The dimensions are in the Factory service manuals.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Gimble Bearing installation...Help Please

DO NOT, use graphite or anything else when driveing the bearing.