Swivel Shaft lubrication

[Eyeman]

Starting this thread at the recommendation of one of our great administrators. Thanks guys. In another thread, we were told to clean, lubricate and re-torque the steering shaft and associated u-bolt as part of annual maintenance. My question is how can this be accomplished without drilling/cutting (at the MerCruiser emblem) into the gimbel ring face? I run a 1999 5.7L BIII.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Swivel Shaft lubrication

Starting this thread at the recommendation of one of our great administrators. Thanks guys. In another thread, we were told to clean, lubricate and re-torque the steering shaft and associated u-bolt as part of annual maintenance. My question is how can this be accomplished without drilling/cutting (at the MerCruiser emblem) into the gimbel ring face? I run a 1999 5.7L BIII.

Ayuh,... You're confusing 2 very different operations,...

The cleaning, 'n tightening thing goes on with the 2 shiney nuts at the top, outside of the gimbel ring....

The drillin', 'n capping, or removing the motor thing is for dealing with Replacin' the gimbel ring, because the little shiney nuts on the outside thing, wasn't done as maintenance...

 

[Eyeman]

Re: Swivel Shaft lubrication

So we should just be sure to re-torque the shiney nuts that tighten the u-bolt to the steering shaft. No need to attempt to lubricate the shaft?

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Swivel Shaft lubrication

So we should just be sure to re-torque the shiney nuts that tighten the u-bolt to the steering shaft. No need to attempt to lubricate the shaft?

That is correct (the "steering shaft" is the upper swivel shaft to be precise) to 55 ft lb. The upper and lower swivel shafts use nylon bushings and no lubrication is needed (and no way to do it anyway). Keep em tight and you should never have a problem.

 

[Brentathon]

Re: Swivel Shaft lubrication

Actually, the upper swivel shaft of late Alpha I's, all II's, and Bravo's use 2 stainless bushings, coated with a Permalube-type coating on the I.D. I just finished putting my Alpha swivel shaft into the gimbal housing yesterday.
And, you can lube them, if you remove the upper swivel shaft.......and you don't have to pull the engine to do that. JR has a kit and procedure for Bravos: http://www.jrmarine.com/instructions.htm
But, in theory, you shouldn't have to lube the bushings.........in theory.

 

[Eyeman]

Re: Swivel Shaft lubrication

Actually, the upper swivel shaft of late Alpha I's, all II's, and Bravo's use 2 stainless bushings, coated with a Permalube-type coating on the I.D. I just finished putting my Alpha swivel shaft into the gimbal housing yesterday.
And, you can lube them, if you remove the upper swivel shaft.......and you don't have to pull the engine to do that. JR has a kit and procedure for Bravos: http://www.jrmarine.com/instructions.htm
But, in theory, you shouldn't have to lube the bushings.........in theory.

Sorry, not going to happen for this backyard mechanic. I'll do the annual re-torque and replace the entire back side when it fails in 25 years. It seems to me, the only way it would fail is if the u-bolt nuts get loose.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Swivel Shaft lubrication

.... 2 stainless bushings, coated with a Permalube-type coating on the I.D.

I knew that, Brain cramp:facepalm:.

 

[Brentathon]

Re: Swivel Shaft lubrication

Yeah, the only reason why I butted in, is because I'm currently going through this whole job on my Alpha.
By the way.......removing the 2 bushings (especially the small/upper one) is a real pain.......using a punch to loosen and tighten the nut on the top of the swivel shaft was actually quite easy.
I suspect, that many more boats will have issues with their swivel shaft seal and bushings (especially on bigger boats where the drive sits lower in the water)......it seems to be a deficient design.

 

[Eyeman]

Re: Swivel Shaft lubrication

Yeah, the only reason why I butted in, is because I'm currently going through this whole job on my Alpha.
By the way.......removing the 2 bushings (especially the small/upper one) is a real pain.......using a punch to loosen and tighten the nut on the top of the swivel shaft was actually quite easy.
I suspect, that many more boats will have issues with their swivel shaft seal and bushings (especially on bigger boats where the drive sits lower in the water)......it seems to be a deficient design.

No butting in when you bring facts to the table. Thanks and I agree, what an engineered deficiency. To have to cut and drill holes in a cast piece, wth? My steering is tight now and I'll always torque annually.