VP SX-M Gimbal Bearing Question

[barthel]

Hey All,

Getting ready for river season and doing the outdrive maintenance (bellows, gimbal bearing, fluid, U-Joints, etc).

I found the correct part numbers for the parts but have a few questions about the parts.

The gimbal bearing has 2 part numbers, old style 3853807 (greaseable) or new style 3888555 (sealed). If I have both available, is one preferable to the other?

Next, any issues with using the Sierra or Mallory equivalent tot he VP bearing? I know that sometime using the non-OEM can be problematic (like with the drive bellows)

Last, is there a reason I need to replace the inner GB seal while I have it out if it's not worn?

Thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: VP SX-M Gimbal Bearing Question

Why are you replacing the gimbal bearing? Is it bad, or did you buy a kit because that's what you think you should do.
The bellows needs to be changed around every 5 years to prevent water intrusion that can destroy your drive, gimbal bearing and ujoints. But the gimbal bearing is not rubber and should last a very long time. Many go 20 or 30 years.
The aftermarket marketers are sure selling people a bill of goods, and the OEM's are following suit because that's what the unknowing want.

 

[barthel]

Re: VP SX-M Gimbal Bearing Question

I was going to change it for a few reasons, the first being that I'm sure the PO did NOTHING to this boat in the way of maintenance. The boat runs well (2001 Four Winns Horizon 180LE, 4.3GL) but was in need of a little TLC when I got it last year. I did all of the normal items after I bought it, oil, plugs, filter, outdrive lube, etc. I noticed a slight "growl" when I would turn the wheel under power on the last few runs of the season last year. So, I was going to pull the outdrive, grease the splines and check the engine alignment, I figured since I had it off I would take care of a few things that I'm sure had never been done (bellows, bearing, etc.).

At this point it would be a preventative "piece of mind" endevour.

 

[Don S]

Re: VP SX-M Gimbal Bearing Question

At this point it would be a preventative "piece of mind" endevour.

Ok, I can buy that.

I would use the bearing you can actually grease, I still can't believe a sealed bearing with old grease can last as long as a bearing you can actually put new grease in.

 

[barthel]

Re: VP SX-M Gimbal Bearing Question

I was going to check it when I pull the outdrive, but figured since I had it off already it would be cheap insurance. And I agree with you Don, I like being able to grease a moving part.

Do I need to worry about using a Mallory or Sierra bearing, or do they all come from the same vendor? (like timken or linkbelt)

 

[Don S]

Re: VP SX-M Gimbal Bearing Question

Sierra is OK, have no clue what Mallory uses, but I don't trust any of Mallories junk personally. Past experience.

 

[VIPNiSS]

Re: VP SX-M Gimbal Bearing Question

Don,

I just bought a 2004 model boat with the sx-m 1.43 drive. The boat was used in fresh water and twice in salt. The exhaust bellow still looks good but would you recommend going ahead and changing it out since its original? If so do you have the instructions to do this? Is it only the exhaust bellow I should change?