bad gimbal to steering bushing
 

I don't know if that's technically what it's called but it's close.

On our 1997 Baja the top bushing, the one the u-bolt tightens, is really wore out.

How big of a job is it? What does a dealer charge?

Does it require any special tools?

Re: bad gimbal to steering bushing
 

The U bolt tightens the gimbal ring to the upper swivel pin. Very common for gimbal rings to wear out at this point on bravos. Do a search in Tech for replacement or repair options.
There's a bushing in the gimbal housing that the pin rides in. If that's worn, your parts cost will be considerably cheaper, but no easier to repair.
The only special tool is the 12 pt "wrench" to remove the hinge pins.
Gary

Re: bad gimbal to steering bushing
 

Thanks Gary.
I did do a search and didn't come up with any good threads.
I will try again with different wording I guess and see what happens.

Re: bad gimbal to steering bushing
 

Try a seach for "bravo gimbal ring". Lots of worn ones on this board.

Re: bad gimbal to steering bushing
 

Hey wowo, it's a buster for shore. The only way to truly do it rite is with the engine out of the boat, and the gimbal on the bench. This way you can check the entire gimbal for stress crack's etc,,,, . Have fun if you do it, and if not be prepared. By the way don't let anyone talk you into drilling the outside of the gimbal and using that B.S. kit. It only hurt's the gimbal and weaken's it. By the way if you need a new H.P ring or a rebuilt hp gimbal complete I have both, 516-799-6029

Re: bad gimbal to steering bushing
 

I FOUND A GOOD THREAD:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=73075

I will be doing mine soon and will try and post picts as I go.

Re: bad gimbal to steering bushing
 

I bought this kit: http://www.jrmarine.com/instructions.htm from www.jrmarine.com They were great, any questions, owner Ron Bender would answer on his cell phone!

I bought this and have seen it's advantage over the mercury kit that looks like Frankenstin's neck plugs.
If you look at the high end IMCO drives they have a cover plate similar to this.

Re: bad gimbal to steering bushing
 

GIVE ME A CALL I CAN HELP YOU. IF THE U BOLT HAS STRETCHED OUT THE RING WILL NEED FIXED. CHECK MY WE SITE AT WWW.JRMARINE.COM UNDER GIMBEL RING REPAIR. YOU NEED SOME MORE PARTS TO DO THE JOB THE RIGHT WAY. I HAVE THEM ALL. GIVE ME A CALL RON BENDER 216-390-1330 :)