Need adivce: Repl. Gimbal Bearing and U-Joints-OMC Cobra

[rybad]

'89 OMC Cobra/5.7

I have a slight "growling" sound coming off my Starboard engine. It's subtle enough that nobody can hear it (except me). But trust me.. it's there! This years is the ONLY year I didnt pull my drives in the spring, but I only put on about 15 hours last summer, so I didnt think it necessary. Also, last season, I had this outdrive re-sealed, and when I changed the oil last fall, there wasnt even a hint of water - so I was extremely happy.

My fear is that water has gotten into the bellows, or my u-joint and/or gimbal bearing is/are wore.

I already have a replacment GB, and I can get the U-joints at the local boaters value. I plan to replace both of them reguardless of condition. (I have moderate ability to do the mechanics)

I am looking for suggestions on how to a) remove the gimbal bearing.. I was told a "slide hammer with 3-prong puller" - any idea where to get this.. or other suggestions on how to remove it, or what kind of tool to use/borrow.

Also, any suggestions on how to remove and replace u-joints... Seloc suggests pulling the whole shaft and bearing carrier out of the drive and putting in a vice (this seems "excessive" to me... any thoughts)

Thanks.

 

[johnbo]

Re: Need adivce: Repl. Gimbal Bearing and U-Joints-OMC Cobra

The puller can generally be found at any of the Pep Boys, Autozone places that loan tools. I borrowed one a week ago for a $80 deposit. Check to make sure that the puller jaws are worn out, I had to look through three of their sets to find one that the jaws hadn't been torn up.

I've always removed the U-joint cups from the bearing carrier with a screw press. It was the press part of a tie rod removal tool that I picked up at a surplus sale. No need to remove the bearing carrier. Once I get the shaft loose, I take it to the bench and do the other 3 sets of cups.

Remember to mark the alignment of the bearing carrier to the intermediate coupler to the yoke shaft. I use a small center punch, so that I can return everything back to the original alignment and balance.

My understanding is that if you remove the bearing carrier, you would need to re-shim it, which was a lot more than I wanted to get into. This worked on my Volvo SX and my buddies '91 OMC Cobra.

I hope that this helps,

johnbo

 

[tommays]

Re: Need adivce: Repl. Gimbal Bearing and U-Joints-OMC Cobra

The slide hammer will work most of the time

You will need a driver to put it back in its if done worng or the driver is not correct it will be dammaged

I would follow the service manual as generaly there are things in the way of just changeing them hooked on to the drive

And about the time the u-joints are worn out is a pretty good time to check the yoke for rust and change the oil seal

Tommays

 

[skibug]

Re: Need adivce: Repl. Gimbal Bearing and U-Joints-OMC Cobra

I can only give you advice on the gimbal bearing removal. I recently replaced the bearing on my Alpha 1 outdrive. It was a real pain, but this was my first gimbal bearing. I used a slide hammer with the three jaws on it like you described. My problem was the jaw would slip out from the bearing everytime I would put some force on the hammer. After much cursing, 100+ temps and 45 minutes of resetting the jaws constantly it finally poped out. I know some Auto Zones will rent a 3 prong slide hammer/bearing jaw puller, but not all carry one. Check around to see if you can rent the puller.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Need adivce: Repl. Gimbal Bearing and U-Joints-OMC Cobra

As far as the U-Joints go, I have always removed the bearing carrier/U-joint assembly as a unit and brought them to a machine shop and let them replace the joints.

 

[rybad]

Re: Need adivce: Repl. Gimbal Bearing and U-Joints-OMC Cobra

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. My boat neighbor happens to own an auto parts store, and has volunteered to help me for a few beers. I cant pass that offer up.

Actually, I pulled the boat out this evening, and removed the outdrive. There was water in the ujoint bellow, and the gimbal bearing has some slop, and makes a grinding sound as I turn it. I'm thingking this is where the noise was coming from. The Ujoints seem to be fine, there is no play at all and still look lubed pretty good. I had this drive resealed last season, and the main carrier bearing seal was replaced too. At that time, I also put in a new yoke shaft, so all of that is still new and good. I'm thinking I just need to replace the GB, put on a new bellow (old has damage from ujoint) grease it up and should be back in business.

Thanks again.

 

[MD-80]

Re: Need adivce: Repl. Gimbal Bearing and U-Joints-OMC Cobra

How did the bellows get damaged by the u-joint and do you think that's where the wate came from.

 

[RCAF_FB_FHDOG]

Re: Need adivce: Repl. Gimbal Bearing and U-Joints-OMC Cobra

Keep in mind. The OMC and MC bearings are the same.
The MC driver works the best. To extend the life of the bellows, always keep the units down in storage (especially when on the trailer).