Just changed props and noticed that I have some up and down play in the shaft that the prop is on. No side to side, just a little up and down. In and out play too, but I think that is normal. Up and down might be normal too, just want to make sure. It is a bravo I drive. Lower unit did have some work done and supposedly has beefed up internal components. Also, when I hand spin the prop in neutral, I can hear the gears. This might be normal too, just want to make sure before I splash it again.

I have a gear lube reservoir in the bilge. Can I just add gear lube to that, or do I have to pull the prop and add from the bottom? If I have to add from the bottom, do I have to open the vent or just open the res?

have a shop look at it.it should not have any play in any direction

There should be no play in the prop shaft as Sterndrive spec said. Have it checked out, before you run it again.

If the resovoir has some fluid in it.. you can add to it. If the bottle is empty then you should add from the bottom. Normally you add to the bottom until it comes out the upper plug, then put the plug in and fill till the bottle shows some fluid. Depending on how you fill it, you can wait for the drive to equalize and then top off the bottle..
Hope this helps..

D*ck

Your in need of service. There should be ZERO play in the prop. shaft period. Been doing drives for over 35 years. Call me at; 954 237 0332

BTW Doller Offshore!

Sounds like the preload is going away or a bearing is getting bad.