272bajadriver

iTrader: (1)

I'm getting ready to install a new gimbal bearing that I bought for my bravo one outdrive and I had a question. The gimbal bearing has one side that has kind of like two wide skinny holes, one on each end of the bearing so one of the sides has two of them. Is that side supposed to face any particular way? Does it matter if I install it facing the engine or is it supposed to face the outdrive? just wanted to ask before I installed it? The link to the picture is below

http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx85/cabalea/014.jpg

seafordguy

According to Mercruiser the two notches in the housing are supposed to face the back of the engines. Many people (myself included) install them facing backwards towards the drive. Those notches allow the bearing to turn 90* perpendicular and slide out of those notches. I install them that way because then if you ever have a gimbal bearing go bad you can just put a screwdriver in it, turn it sideways, pull it out with your fingers, put the new one in, bolt the drive up, and go boating.

272bajadriver

iTrader: (1)

so then it really doesn't matter then? the way your saying to do it just makes it easier if it needs to be replaced again

seafordguy

Yes - I had a bellows get an obscure crack in it 2 years ago. Consequently it ruined the bearing. I simply stuck a screwdriver in the bearing, turned it the 90* and pulled it out of the housing between those two notches.

When you put the new one in you will want to pull the bearing out, then hammer the race/housing into the transom assembly, and then put the bearing in IMHO. Mine have been in that way for years....

rlong

OK i have a lot of slack i see it in the gimble ring where the nut turns the out drive do i need a gimble ring or a berring help.

seafordguy

If you are talking about the nut on the top, the problem you are experiencing is that over time the gimbal ring has worn and most likely the swivel pin has also worn.

There are some good pictures/commentary/repair techniques on www.rjmarine.com - go there and take a look around - you might want to start a separate thread so that we don't hijack this one, and also so that you get responses to YOUR question....