Possible gimbal bearing noise

[redlinj]

During a recent very heavy rain storm, my auto bilge pump impeller got stuck and bilge filled up with water. Now, I hear what I perceive to be gimbal bearing noise/rumble! It’s a relatively new install! Can water infiltrate the bearing and cause this problem? And if so, can I grease the bearing to displace any water? And, which grease would you recommend. It’s a late 80’s alpha 1 with a 5.7. Thanks

 

[Chris1956]

Don't those gimbal bearing have an external zerc fitting? My memory is hazy. They would make noise no matter where the outdrive trim is.

Have you been greasing the u joints? They need it every year on the Alpha 1 Gen I outdrive. They could also have water in them. Have they ever been changed? They would make more noise as you trim up.

 

[redlinj]

Everything has been replaced within the last couple years with limited use! Never had this noise til this water in bilge fiasco! The zerc fitting is below the water line but I think I can still get a grease gun on it!

 

[AShipShow]

If the bearing is making noise, its already too late... The reason for the noise is theres already too much clearance around the bearing balls from excessive wear or the cage broke.

Does the rumbling sounds happen no matter the drive trim/steering angle? If so, most likely a gimbal bearing... If it only does it at extreme trim up or steering angle, its most likely u-joints... If its been a while, might as well replace both cuz water in there is pretty much instant death.

 

[Rick Stephens]

A bellows full of water also makes weird noises and causes input seal on the upper gearcase, gimbal bearing and u-joint failure.

 

[JASinIL2006]

How much water would have to be in the bilge to affect the gimbal bearing and U-joints? Wouldn't the engine be mostly underwater before the level reach the gimbal bearing? Seems like you'd have alternator and starter problems long before gimbal/U-joint problems.

 

[redlinj]

Yes, you are correct! Everything underwater! Pumped out 5 gallons of water from engine! Changed oil, removed spark plugs an turned the engine over to blow out the cylinders! Dryed distributor cap etc and alternator and installed new plugs, fresh auxiliary gas tank, turned key and the 5.7 started right up! Seems to actually start and sound better than ever ecxcept for that rumble! I can get to 3 zirc fittings on the top of the housing, but can’t seem to find the one for the gimbal bearing which should be located on the starboard side of housing!. Maybe a greaseless bearing? However, I am looking upside down and in the water!!

 

[Grub54891]

The fitting is on the stb side. It may have the grease plug in it if it's the greaseless type. You really should pull the boat out of the water and remove the drive asap! The u-joints and gimble will have to be replaced, and to get the water out before it wrecks the driveshaft sealing area.

 

[1960 Starflite]

I don't disagree with the opinions to replace the u-joints, but don't rear wheel drive trucks and cars have u-joints exposed to rain and salt/snow?

 

[Grub54891]

I don't disagree with the opinions to replace the u-joints, but don't rear wheel drive trucks and cars have u-joints exposed to rain and salt/snow?

Well yes. They get wet but sling off the water as it's open to the outside. If the bellows get water in them, they remain wet, never get dry. U-joints on cars wear out/rust, just takes longer, and alot of them have easily accesable grease fittings.