Gimble Bearing?

[jaycozer]

Any bearing sounds essential to me but this one just sounds interesting. Anyways, I put my boat in for a complete tuneup and my shop told me mine was worn or rough and should be replaced. I agreed to it, not because I know what it is but I am sure as part of the drive it is susceptable to wear. They said in addition to the tuneup it would be another $200. I know the B.O.A.T. acronym, but for what seems to be a $40 dollar part online does this sound about right?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Gimble Bearing?

Considering Where the Gimbel Bearing Lives,.......

That sounds somewhere between Cheap,+ Reasonable...........
Depending on your Location,+ Labor Market...................d

 

[jaycozer]

Re: Gimble Bearing?

My location is San Diego and the shop seems to be very reputable! I have been happy with their people on the showroom fl;oor when I ask them questions.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Gimble Bearing?

The online part for $40.00 is probably not the original Mercruiser one that sells for $80.00.The choice is yours,but being a dealer,I have very good back up from Mercuiser if it fails. Many aftermarketeers will replace the bearing,reimburse me the labor to replace the bearing,but that's as far as they go.

A failed bearing can wipe out $$$$$$ in castings and housing.

DHP

 

[skibug]

Re: Gimble Bearing?

That seems to be a very good price to get that SOB out of there. I replaced mine last month and it was a PITA.

 

[jaycozer]

Re: Gimble Bearing?

Then I will have no complaints giving the shop the go ahead. Does anyone know what type of incident could damage this part or is it commonly injured due to normal wear and tear?

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimble Bearing?

The 2 most common reasons for gimbal bearings going out are water in the bellows (that usually causes ujoints to go as well, plus water in the drive) and lack of lubrication.
On boats I winterize, when I have the drive off, I pump grease into the gimbal bearing (turning the bearing every half dozen strokes of grease) until I get all new grease coming out of the bearing. Wipe up all the old grease I can so it doesn't make a big mess in the bellows and engine compartment.
Also make sure the alignment is on. If it's out of alignment, it will put excess strain on the gimbal bearing as well as destroying the coupler.

 

[kimchee]

Re: Gimble Bearing?

Gimble bearings seem to be a common part to be replaced as I hear so many people frequently have theirs replaced... How often do these things usually last?

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimble Bearing?

They last for years and years and years, if taken care of.
What you don't realize is every Mercruiser and OMC Cobra out drive boat out there has the same bearing

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Gimble Bearing?

I have done this gifg the better part of 30 years, yamaha used that bearing,cobra,volvo SX and merc. I dont recall ever seeing one wear out.