SX-M Gimble Bearing Questions

[tvogz]

I have an SX-M outdrive. Last time the boat was out I noticed leaking into the bilge. Upon inspection, I found the u-joint bellows had a hole. The outdrive is pulled and parts ordered to replace the bellows and gimble bearing along with the other seals etc.

1: Is this likely the cause of the water intrusion?

2: In my haste to order parts to get the boat back on the water, I ordered the OEM bearing 21752712. Will this likely be the sealed bearing and what life expectancy can I expect without greasing every spring?

3: reading some other posts I see people saying that the seal behind the bearing isn't necessary to change out. Wouldn't the fact that I had water intrusion say the seal is bad?

Thanks in advance

 

[alldodge]

found the u-joint bellows had a hole
1: Is this likely the cause of the water intrusion?

Yes

2: In my haste to order parts to get the boat back on the water, I ordered the OEM bearing 21752712. Will this likely be the sealed bearing and what life expectancy can I expect without greasing every spring?

Looking at the pics it does appear to be sealed, maybe someone else can verify. If it doesn't get water in it, they should last a long time. Time depends on salt or fresh water and how many hours a year its used

3: reading some other posts I see people saying that the seal behind the bearing isn't necessary to change out. Wouldn't the fact that I had water intrusion say the seal is bad?

That helps keep the grease out of the bilge, and many do not replace it. Water will not come in from the motor side unless your sinking or water drips/sprays in from the motor side. When that happens you have another issue. There is no issue with replacing it, it just some do not

 

[tvogz]

I have the the outdrive out and have pulled the pivot housing. This boat is a 2001 that I bought last year as a project and have been trying to put the mystery of how well this boat was maintained together since last summer. My feeling is not very well. Take a look at the wear on the gimble housing at about 3:00. What would cause something like that? I have run the boat no more than a few hours since I've purchased it last July. Most of the time has been spent assessing, fixing and testing. I don't think this is anything recent. The drive has operated smoothly every time I have taken it out.

 

[alldodge]

Just a guess, but maybe damaged while trying to get the bearing out, by incorrect method or tool

 

[BRICH1260]

I hate to beat you while your down, but you might look at your U joints good also, chances are if the bellow was flooded that the U joints need to be replaced also.

 

[tvogz]

They are a little rusty, but after greasing them the shafts seem to spin fine without play at the u-joint. What would the criteria be to replace, sloppy play in that joint I would assume?

 

[tvogz]

Also, I'm not down from this. A lot of my focus last year was put on the engine. These are all parts I know have to be replaced at some point. This boat sat in a garage for two years after being purchased at an insurance auction. I am enjoying learning some new skills and learning from some great people here on the forum. I will be back on the water in no time. :joyous:

 

[wahlejim]

That damage to the Gimbal area was from someone replacing the bearing that didn't know what they were doing, either extraction while using that area as a prying point or trying to pound it in and hitting the side.

 

[Thalasso]

That damage to the Gimbal area was from someone replacing the bearing that didn't know what they were doing, either extraction while using that area as a prying point or trying to pound it in and hitting the side.

Bingo


This is what i use. It's the cats meow [h=1]Mallory Marine - Gimbal Bearing Puller Tool 9-79820[/h] https://youtu.be/73VOAJKDBHY

 

[tvogz]

As a note and it's hard to see from the picture, but there is definitely rotational wear on the inside diameter. Would that be from u-joints failing at some point?

 

[tvogz]

Just to follow up on a couple items for future reference. The above mentioned bearing does in fact have the grease hole. After reading the headaches from everyone about pulling the seal, I went into today not planning on pulling it, but after inspecting it and comparing it to the new seal, there wasn't much left of the old so it needed to be pulled. It was a pain to get it out, but not too bad since I had good access with the pivot housing removed.

 

[bruceb58]

The worn down area almost looks like what a u-joint does when it fails and rubs the inside of the gimbal housing.

 

[tvogz]

So I am getting ready to assemble and reinstall the outdrive tomorrow. One question on that: the OEM manual says to apply 3m adhesive sealant to the groove around the water passage on the pivot housing before installing the new o-ring. Which 3m product are they referring to? 5200?

 

[Horigan]

Not 5200. That's permanent. 4200 or gasket sealer. I personally use triple guard grease.

 

[tvogz]

I assume it's only purpose is to hold it in place until the outdrive is installed and pressing against it. Thanks Rich

 

[alldodge]

Not a VP guy, but Merc uses perfect seal which is like Permatex Aviation gasket or NAPA Aviation sealer