Stuck Gimbal Bearing

[Sirbb]

I'm rebuilding my engine (1993 4.3 Merc.), and when I pulled my out-drive I found the Gimbal bearing rusted bad and some water in the U-joint boot. I'm going to do a complete reseal but cant get the Gimbal Bearing out. I'm using a 3 way puller with 5 LBS slide hammer, and its not budging. Should I just wait until I have the engine out and then punch it out from the inside.

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: Stuck Gimbal Bearing

They do tend to get sticky. You really have to pound away with the slide hammer. It'll come out. You've cleaned the inner (as you look forward) surface of the transom, right?

 

[300sflyer]

Re: Stuck Gimbal Bearing

If you can warm up the housing a bit, that will help. Aluminum expands with heat faster than the steel bearing. I would use a hot air gun, [perhaps a paint stripper gun] rather than any kind of flamed torch, just in case there are any fuel vapors.

Keep pounding with the slide hammer and it will come loose.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Stuck Gimbal Bearing

I had the same problem once. Went from a medium to a big to a HUGE slidehammer and the bearing wouldn't budge. Rigged up a puller using a threaded rod (like the factory Merc one) and it pulled it right out. Amazing how much leverage that inclined plane (screw thread) delivers ...........

 

[AZSenza]

Re: Stuck Gimbal Bearing

I hope you have it out already but if not, you might try some penetrating spray, local auto store or wally world. it will have to sit for a while. after sraying liberaly, wait an hour, try it, then spray some more, keep at it till she breaks loose.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Stuck Gimbal Bearing

A fellow poster made a nice tool for this purpose - you can see it here.