Metal in Outdrive Oil
 

I recently had two bearings go out in my Bravo II outdrive. They are the main bearings just behind the U joints. (I am no expert on outdrives I just know what the mechanic showed me when he had it apart) He is replacing the two bearings in the upper part of the drive. The bottom drive still turns fine and sounds ok but I am concerned about the amount of metal filings that the bearings in the bottom foot have been exposed to. The mechanic says it is not necessary to tear apart the bottom and clean the bearings. He said if we just flush it out with oil a few times it will be fine. I am ok with that if it works but I don't want to put it back together and ruin those bearings too. Anyone have any experience with this type of thing?

i would say if u are that far go thru the whole thing so u dont have to do it twice,,

been there done that like 2 weeks ago!!! doh...

F---ing metal debris from a bearing going bad spreads everywhere like cancer. You can take your chances... but I would totally disassemble and clean.

zog02- I agree with Jonas and Reed. Have the rest of the drive dissassembled and cleaned, you'll be glad you did. It's not worth the risk to just 'flush n' go'.

My .02

Brian

Reed & Jonas & Brain are giving you the best advice you can get. If it really scattered some metal it is even hard to clean the unit once it is apart, we use hot water, detergent and a pressure washer. Must pull all the races as the debris lodges behind them.

zog02-

i agree, don't mess around. flush them even replace the bearings. At Konrad stern drive we do not reuse bearings as there cost is relatively small.