Hello all,

I'm getting ready to service my bravo 3 for the following:
Inlet water hose - going to use the bravo blockage kit http://amarket.com/BRAVOBLOCK.HTM
While I am there I'm going to change
Change bellows
Change gimble bearing
Shifter boot


Do I need special tools ? How did ou remove the bearing with alternative tools

And should I change anything else?

Here is a list of tools that I am looking to purchase. I already have the hinge pins socket

Sleeve install tool 91-818162
Tapered tool for water hose 91-43579

Gimbal bearing
Driver head - 91-32325T
Collar - 91-30366T1
Rod 91-37323

Alignment 91-805475A1

I am looking for alternatives to save some money rather than purchasing this tools

Any help will be appriciated

The only special tool i "used" when I R&R my drive was the hing pin socket and the alignment tool.

Sleeve install tool 91-818162, I bought one and didn't use it. I just took my mine and tapped in place top, bottom, side, side, top, bottom, ect till it was in. Round and round.

The gimble bearing, I used a slide hammer to remove my old one. Ya it is a special tool but I already had one. To install the bearing I used the old outer race way and notched a 2x4 to fit it on the end and pounded the new bearing in. I cant remember where I saw that trick, but it worked great.

You can also make you own, something like this to pull the old one.


Home made gimble bearing puller. Google that and you will find lots of good info, and maybe give you a new idea
http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser-...er-343060.html

Thanks this perfect
I already have the hinge pin

So I also need to buy the alignment tool?
Also do you have the part number?

look at face of gimball bearing cage. if you can see 2 slots top and bottom, knock bearing sideways and pull out of slots leaving cage installed. then remove cage from new bearing and install new bearing the same way, making sure grease holes line up with grease slot. if you press cage out and in every time you change bearing, eventually cage will be a loose fit in the transom housing.

So should even change the gimbal bearing ? I am only going into this to fix a inlet water hose that is being crushed.
I figured while I am there I should replace the gimbal bearing and drive lube hose since it is cracking.

The boat is new to me and I don't know / believe the last time owner replaced items.

I changed my bearings a few yes ago with the new sealed bearings when I did bellows. I wish I had just left the greasable ones in as they were fine.

If you put that many gimbal bearings in, you either have an alignment issue, or it's so old it's rotted and needs to be replaced anyway