does anyone know the easy way to replace one . 1998 bravo 1 speedball

Do you mean at the top of the Gimball?

Jon

yes at the top of the gimball. it tightens around the square shaft the steering arm is bolted to . speedball

Royal pain in the azz. Just replaced (2)gimbal rings and U-bolts.

32 storm did you have to drill holes in the side of the transom assembly thanks speedball

Why do you need to change.When tightening this bolt I always remove the nuts and wire brush the threads on the U-bolt as well as run a tap in the nuts.Put a bit of grease on the threads and it will tighten up as smooth as a knife in bitter.I know of lots of people who have broken this bolt while trying to tighten there steering arm and the reason has been the nut siezed on the bolt.It's a pain in the butt to replace this bolt.Personally I would pull the motor before drilling the transom plate.

I agree . I will not be drilling the transom assembly. the bolt has apparently stretched to the point even with a couple of washers i run out of thread before it gets tight . also with new nuts one stripped at 48 foot lbs. not the 53 called for in mercury manual at the marina. speedball