1996 bravo 1 steering play
 

Outdrive will move and steering remains still. My options how to repair? Hope I don't have to pull lower unit out. I saw a kit where you drill out a hole in the case. Don't want to do that. Thank you

Sounds like a gimbal ring service is in order. If you do not want to drill holes, the engine must be removed to remove the inner transom plate so the transom assembly can be removed from the transom to gain access to the upper swivel pin nut for disassembly.

JR Marine sells a kit to cut out an access hole for this repair to be done without engine removal. JR also sells a superior upper steering pin. You will likely need a new gimbal ring, upper steering pin and seals, lower swivel pin and bushing, hinge pins and bushings. Also a good time to replace shift cable and bellows. Gimbal ring is pricey, however, JR Marine will weld and remachine your ring with a couple day turn around. He does a nice job for a fraction of the cost.

Sorry, you will need to remov your drive no matter what method you choose for this repair. It is not that bad to do and JR will loan tools as well. I have done it on two of my boats and helped two friends with theirs. All using JR Marine's kit, upper pin and welding services.

Can also use the Merc method (two holes) to do the repair, my preference is the Merc method and have done it. While JR method allows for slight bit more room, just don't like the way the transom is sealed back up

Thanks Cory!! How do u feel about the new cover JR supplies? Two concerns does it seal good (obviously it must) but most of all how does it look. Maybe some resecesed fasteners would look better. I called CP bc JR IS closed till April the price was $484.00 but I don't know if it comes with all the parts you mention. Probably could go on JR site to see if I could find the kit. What is the name of the kit? CP is selling the kit for JR while he is gone.
Thank you Cory

I just did both my drives with the JR kits and I thought they turned out great. while I was in there I did the bellows, shift cables, bushings, etc. Purchased everything from JR marine and couldn't be happier. Grant it the boat hasn't been in the water yet, but I'm pretty confident all is good. PM me your # and I will text you some pictures of mine finished.

I have done it with the JR kit,s all worked fine , did water hose ,shift boot ,and SS swivel pin .
I was surprised how small the hole is in the water inlet ( plastic inserts ) was J R has a video that shows you step by step ..

How much was the kit and what came with it?? What do u think of the cover plate?

Sorry Wyatt I can't remember as I bought his SS u bolt , SS swivel pin as well as the kit which came with template where to drill , drill bits and a cover plate with bolts and a tap for the threads .
Would be very easy to have a fancy custom plate made .
I bought two kits and had them sent to the Uk but really can't remember how much .
If you boat I salt the SS swivel pin is best .

Here is an 2007 repair with pics
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/d...ng-repair.html
And a 2013
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/d...placement.html

Hiall dodge I could not open any pics in OSO. Could u send me pics pm
Thank you gary