Transom Rebuild.

[rickasbury]

while the transom is apart, was looking at the steering pin seal...looking at parts, see an upper and lower washer but do not see a seal...and that pin is $300.00 to replace it, made of gold? Platinum?? Geesh!

 

[alldodge]

Always have to remember to tell folks what your working on, Its a Bravo drive

Search for the steering pin using P/N 98230A1, have found them for $100
Upper Seal and bushing is part numbers 4 and 5
Lower washer is item 19

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/30967/1943/160

 

[Bt Doctur]

And while you in there install the missing grease fitting too

 

[scoflaw]

Stainless steel after market pin is the way to go.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Still should be a grease fitting there

 

[rickasbury]

Steering Pin

So, I have my gimbal 100% apart and separate except for the bearing which has just been replaced in this process. On the steering pin...replace or not? The seal on it had deteriorated some and there is a slight pitting right at the bottom on the pin. Another 100 bucks....

 

[alldodge]

I would replace it. The pitting as you say is next to the seal and will continue to rust. Another thing to check is see how tight the large square fits into the ring. If it can be torqued to 53 ft lb and all play is gone (good and tight fit) then it and the ring is usable. If it has any slop/play then both can need work/replacement

 

[Bt Doctur]

PM me

 

[rickasbury]

by ring assume you mean the gimbal ring? I did not have any slop when out drive was on and you push it from side to side,....boat shows 300 on the hour meter if that means anything. Only other thing you would replace is the lower bushing correct? Isn't that bushing what really wears and controls that "slop"?

 

[alldodge]

Yes, the gimbal ring. While you do get steering slop, this area (large square) wears because folks forget to re-torque and because its a steel pin against an aluminum ring. Stick it in the ring without torquing bolts and see how much play your have. When new there is no play, as it wears more appears

The upper and lower bushings can wear.

Item 4 is upper bushing, also notice the seal
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/30973/5398/60

Item 2 is lower
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/30973/5398/70

 

[rickasbury]

lost me on item 2 on the second link...I see there is an upper bushing, lower and then the seal....no way to grease it? Guess I will slop it up good when I put it back together....

 

[rickasbury]

never mind, I see it..on the lower gimbal ring....I will give it all a good look over.

 

[Bt Doctur]

just install the missing grease fitting and you will reduce if not eliminate the problem of rust eating away the seal.

 

[Bt Doctur]

https://postimg.cc/gallery/1os5sf6ws/

 

[rickasbury]

That looks like a great idea...wonder why merc does not have that?? Also, I ordered off E bay a SS pin for $65.00 bucks? I had to check that out.....it was a good seller and I can return it, sold as new so we will see.

 

[JASinIL2006]

BT Doctur, when you have a minute or two, would you consider updating your excellent tutorial on installing the fitting in the "Adults Only" section? I am considering this modification and I went to look at the steps again, only to find that the Photobucket issue has broken all the links to the photos that illustrate how to do the mod. The text is still there, but I know that I (and probably others) would rather see what's being done before we drill into our outdrives.

It's such a simple and useful modification, it would be a shame to lose your instructions!

Jim

 

[Bt Doctur]

Locate the center
Using a #3 drill bit ,drill about 3/8ths deep, then switch to a 1/16th drill bit.and drill slowly and gently.
You willl see aluminum , then brass, then steel STOP
Tap for 1/4 x 28 for the grease fitting and install and grease
You can also use a 5/16 hex nut for a gauge. This can be done to Bravo drives also

 

[rickasbury]

Since I have my outdrive off, I just drill right through the bushing, correct? I for sure want to add this!

 

[JASinIL2006]

Thanks, BT Doctur! I'm saving that post!

 

[Bt Doctur]

As long as the steering pin is out you can just drill thru the bushing with the 1/16 inch bit