Rusty Gimbal

105mich

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 21, 2017
Messages
39
After removing my lower unit on my mercruiser 5.0L I have found that the gimbal bearing is very rusty and needs replacing. Do I need to replace the entire housing for it? or just the gimbal and clean out the rust on everything surrounding it?
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,345
You mean removing the complete drive? If its rusty ,water got in the bellow and you need to find out why first.
The bearing should turn as east as a finger in grease and have no roughness
 

105mich

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 21, 2017
Messages
39
The bearing turns just fine but its all rusted, the yoke and U joints are as well on the lower, the bellows wasnt connected tight enough and one end slipped off
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,089
The bearing turns just fine but its all rusted, the yoke and U joints are as well on the lower,

Ayuh,.... Just clean it all up real good with rags, 'n Grease everything up,....

If the rust is just on the outside of the parts,... it's an eyesore, that ya won't see anyways,....

If there's rust inside the parts, on the bearin' surfaces, it'll feel rough, 'n have to be replaced,....

Btw,.... The Lower is but a piece of an Outdrive,.... You took the Outdrive off to see where yer at,...

The Lower Unit is removed from the Upper case, to change the impeller,....
 

CaptainMak

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 28, 2012
Messages
294
Change the gimbal bearing. NEW BELLOWS on everything.. Enjoy the summer
 

105mich

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 21, 2017
Messages
39
Ok thanks and yeah i took the outdrive off...the rust covers everything inside and around the gimbal, but there is a fair amount of grease in there still
 
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