Leak on upper Gimbal shaft
 

I have bravo 1s and both leak water through the upper gimbal shaft. Is there just the one small seal in there? It only leaks when the tops of the drives dip below the water. I currently have the transom assemblies off for paint so I wanted to fix it now while it is apart.

Most likely you have a worn steering shaft and bad shaft seal. If you have it off now is definitely the time to completely check your transom assemblies and replace/rebuild any worn or questionable parts.

absolutely - if you have them off replace everything - swivel pins, swivel seals, EVERYTHING!!!

Although you don't need the kit cut into the back of your transom assembly since your transom assemblies are off, Ron Bender sells stainless swivel pins that are good pieces and cheaper than the stock merc ones. Also, he will trade you your worn out gimbal for a rebuilt one and sell you all the parts needed to do the job.

The water problem is caused by the lack of lubrication to the iol seal. The seal adhears to the swivil shaft and the seal bore in the alumium housing gets out of round. The seal bore has to be repaired. Vinzimarine rebuilds the housings and adds a grease fitting to lub the seal.

Thanks everyone I'll tear into them and see what I have left.

A steel pin in water rust. Pin then becomes pitted. Seals don't seal very well on pitted surfaces.

hey guys i just pulled mine apart and my seal was shot and the pin is all pitted as well. can i get ron bender email or phone number? looks like the are alot of bushings and seals to replace. thanks dan my email is [email protected]

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...imbal-pin.html

Might double check if it was on the boat that burnt though. Doesn't say

I think I have this same problem on my Bravos as well.

Where can I get this shaft and seal?