Ujoints/gimbal bearing? Plz help a Newbie.

Munny

Cadet
Joined
Aug 3, 2008
Messages
10
First off, I am getting my 1st post and my intro out of the way. So, hello to you all.

My boat: 86' four winns, I/O 140hp MerCruiser with an Alpha 1.
http://assets0.fourwinnsmarketing.c...unabouts & Deck Boats/08 160 Freedom (p8).pdf

My problem(s):

While steering the boat I get a vibration/rumble which upon searching the forums for the last week sounds like U-joints, Gimbal bearing and possibly more. It has a new steering cable so that part is done.

I called a few repair centers, and they said the exhaust bellows would need replacing due to the bearings being bad. They could find more that needs to be replaced obviously, but they quoted me a $1700 dollar blind guesstimate as a starting point.

Needless to say if at all possible I would rather save $105 per labor hour if it is a task a mechanically inclined person is capable of doing. If it is a task that would require expert knowledge I would have no qualms about taking it in.

I have the Merc manual saved as a bookmark ( found here ) and am looking for any extra advice I can get such as tools, part numbers, any other repairs while I am in there etc.

My last question has to do with an after market trim indicator. My boat does not have a power trim indicator, but I would like to install one if at all possible. Just guessing if it is possible then doing it while I have the drive tore apart would be the time to install one.

Sorry for the long post, and thanks for your time!

Aaron
 

Uraijit

Banned
Joined
Feb 5, 2008
Messages
884
Re: Ujoints/gimbal bearing? Plz help a Newbie.

You should be able to do it yourself if you follow the manual. A "bellows spreader" will be helpful.

An engine alignment tool is a must.

You'll also need a hinge pin tool.

You'll have to run the wires through the transom plate while the drive is off, so this is the perfect time to do it. The trim senders fit inside the hinge pins, so you should be able to buy a factory set of trim senders and wires, and just slap them in there yourself.
 

jaxnjil

Lieutenant
Joined
Aug 3, 2007
Messages
1,368
Re: Ujoints/gimbal bearing? Plz help a Newbie.

all above plus you might you minght want to save your manual to your hard drive, my documents works for me, and then burn a dvd if you can
dont ask me how i know. (these links can disappear)
 

danond

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jun 11, 2007
Messages
1,118
Re: Ujoints/gimbal bearing? Plz help a Newbie.

Holy crap - $1700? Find another shop! I just paid $350 labor and $100 parts for both bellows, gimbal, u-joints, o-rings and new drive lube.
 

Munny

Cadet
Joined
Aug 3, 2008
Messages
10
Re: Ujoints/gimbal bearing? Plz help a Newbie.

Thx for the replies! Got a list of tools, and saved the manual to my HD.

As for the $1700 guesstimate...... I damn near choked on my vomit when that came out. I had to ask him to repeat it thinking he meant to say $700. That set me off on a citywide search for a mechanic.

I found a guy that will do everything for $400 labor + parts. I might keep him on speed dial if I decide to tackle this job!:D
 
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