Transon Assembly
03-02-2010 | 11:55 AM
#11
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From: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Got good news and bad news.....
If you've already got the big ugly plugs, it's been rebuilt before. You dont need to buy the plate kit, just remove the plugs.
Now the bad news.....
The reason they get slop is from the gimbal ring wearing out where the steering arm upper swivel pin mounts into it. There's a pretty good chance your gimbal ring is shot. They're pretty expensive ($700?) but someone on the tech section used to post that he could repair them.
There's nothing too complex in rebuilding the whole gimbal on the boat. Buy a drive manual, a hinge pin removal tool, and all the bearings, seals, etc and do it yourself.
If you buy a used assembly, carefully check the gimbal ring upper swivel pin area for any play.
If you've already got the big ugly plugs, it's been rebuilt before. You dont need to buy the plate kit, just remove the plugs.
Now the bad news.....
The reason they get slop is from the gimbal ring wearing out where the steering arm upper swivel pin mounts into it. There's a pretty good chance your gimbal ring is shot. They're pretty expensive ($700?) but someone on the tech section used to post that he could repair them.
There's nothing too complex in rebuilding the whole gimbal on the boat. Buy a drive manual, a hinge pin removal tool, and all the bearings, seals, etc and do it yourself.
If you buy a used assembly, carefully check the gimbal ring upper swivel pin area for any play.
03-02-2010 | 11:59 AM
#12
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From: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
What where you thinking? Do you do these kind of repairs? Let me know, and Thanks! for the help!
Michael
03-02-2010 | 12:39 PM
#13
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From: St Louis/LOTO
Nope, no need to pull the motor. The 2 big ugly plugs in the transom assembly allow you to reach the bolt holding the upper swivel pin to the steering arm.
Like I said, get a bravo drive serice manual, it will walk you through the steps. And if you have the 12 point allen type hinge pins, buy the tool from a merc dealer. You might need an impact gun to get those out if your boat has seen salt water.
Oh yeah, and it's a good idea to replace your drive bellows while you have it apart.
Like I said, get a bravo drive serice manual, it will walk you through the steps. And if you have the 12 point allen type hinge pins, buy the tool from a merc dealer. You might need an impact gun to get those out if your boat has seen salt water.
Oh yeah, and it's a good idea to replace your drive bellows while you have it apart.
03-02-2010 | 12:46 PM
#14
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From: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Nope, no need to pull the motor. The 2 big ugly plugs in the transom assembly allow you to reach the bolt holding the upper swivel pin to the steering arm.
Like I said, get a bravo drive serice manual, it will walk you through the steps. And if you have the 12 point allen type hinge pins, buy the tool from a merc dealer. You might need an impact gun to get those out if your boat has seen salt water.
Oh yeah, and it's a good idea to replace your drive bellows while you have it apart.
Like I said, get a bravo drive serice manual, it will walk you through the steps. And if you have the 12 point allen type hinge pins, buy the tool from a merc dealer. You might need an impact gun to get those out if your boat has seen salt water.
Oh yeah, and it's a good idea to replace your drive bellows while you have it apart.
Thanks for the help rdoactive!
Michael
PS: I wish I was closer to St Louis, I would have you do it! LOL
03-02-2010 | 12:51 PM
#15
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From: St Louis/LOTO
If you would replace the whole transom assembly, you would almost have to remove the motor. The back of the motor rests on the inner transom plate.
Now just watch, someone will post they swapped theirs out while hanging the engine in place from the oak tree in their back yard.
Oh yeah, the ring repair, $225 for repair or $700 for a new one.
http://www.jrmarine.com/products/gimbal_repair.htm
Now just watch, someone will post they swapped theirs out while hanging the engine in place from the oak tree in their back yard.
Oh yeah, the ring repair, $225 for repair or $700 for a new one.
http://www.jrmarine.com/products/gimbal_repair.htm
Last edited by rdoactive; 03-02-2010 at 12:53 PM.
03-02-2010 | 02:48 PM
#16
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From: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
If you would replace the whole transom assembly, you would almost have to remove the motor. The back of the motor rests on the inner transom plate.
Now just watch, someone will post they swapped theirs out while hanging the engine in place from the oak tree in their back yard.
Oh yeah, the ring repair, $225 for repair or $700 for a new one.
http://www.jrmarine.com/products/gimbal_repair.htm
Now just watch, someone will post they swapped theirs out while hanging the engine in place from the oak tree in their back yard.
Oh yeah, the ring repair, $225 for repair or $700 for a new one.
http://www.jrmarine.com/products/gimbal_repair.htm
Thanks for the input! If I can fix this without having to pull the motor it will save me a good chunk of cash, and a good chunk of frustration.
Thanks!
Michael
03-02-2010 | 03:04 PM
#17
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michael it's not terrably complicated where is your boat at i live at the lake and am a marine mechanic have been doing it for 14 years if the boat is down here or you can bring it down here i could do it for you or help and show you how to do it i have all the tools that are needed. on the gimbal ring if you are not in a huge hurry and its just worn out at the pin it can be sent to jr marine and be fixed for alot less than a new ring let me know if i can help.
03-02-2010 | 03:16 PM
#18
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From: St Louis/LOTO
Parts list, here's a start. I dont think there's a kit.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/selec..._nbr=BRAVO+ONE
The manual will have a list of what to replace. It will also list prper adhesives, sealer, lubricants, etc.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/selec..._nbr=BRAVO+ONE
The manual will have a list of what to replace. It will also list prper adhesives, sealer, lubricants, etc.
03-02-2010 | 04:46 PM
#19
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From: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Thanks again guys, this has REALLY been a big help!
Last Year I had a "noise" in the motor and ended up having to have it pulled and the top end rebuilt, a few weeks later the leak started at the transom, been a rough year!
Sikinboat: I have sent you a PM, THANKS! for the offer, thats damn decent of you!
Rdoactive: Appreciate the link, will check it out for sure! and thanks again for all the help, I do appreciate it!
Is there any way to tell if I need a complete "ring" or if I can get away with just fixing the existing one and replacing the swivel pin/seal?
Thanks!
Michael
Last Year I had a "noise" in the motor and ended up having to have it pulled and the top end rebuilt, a few weeks later the leak started at the transom, been a rough year!
Sikinboat: I have sent you a PM, THANKS! for the offer, thats damn decent of you!
Rdoactive: Appreciate the link, will check it out for sure! and thanks again for all the help, I do appreciate it!
Is there any way to tell if I need a complete "ring" or if I can get away with just fixing the existing one and replacing the swivel pin/seal?
Thanks!
Michael
03-02-2010 | 09:17 PM
#20
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From: North Barrington
In my little world, by the time you add up the time to send out the ring to be rebuilt and bellows being replaced I'd think new assembly would yield larger benifits long before the time comes to sell. New assembly = easier, faster, a little more $ but way more better! 
