Loose gimbal bearing

[jgard]

A dealer just replaced the gimbal bearing on my 1987 OMC Cobra drive. We are trying to put the outdrive back on ourselves. The old bearing was rusted real bad and hardly turned. We put the outdrive back on and it wouldn't go in all of the way. When we pulled it back off the new bearing came out with it. We can put it back in but it is some what loose. I thought that they needed to be pounded in. Is this normal or did the old bearing housing start turning also and wore out the area. Any ideas?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Loose gimbal bearing

Is this normal or did the old bearing housing start turning also and wore out the area.

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... No it's not normal,...
Your diagnosis is probably Right, but I can't see it...
Does it look Worn, or as cast,..??

 

[Don S]

Re: Loose gimbal bearing

It could also be that the dealer removed the bearing, turned it around so he could change just the inner portion of the bearing. That expansion ring around the OD of the outer bearing will not hold the bearing in when trying to reuse it.
I've seen this done, and could only say "You gotta be ****** me"

 

[jgard]

Re: Loose gimbal bearing

The complete bearing has been replaced. Inner and outer. I will have to check the area for excessive wear. Even if I get the alignment tool I'm afraid that once I go to put the outdrive back in it might knock the bearing out of alignment again since it has so loose.