one of my drives has a little play up and down. I mean i really have to grab it low in front of the prop and give it a good hard wiggle. Is this normal or time to replace gimble bearing before it lets go? I have no movement side to side.

I dont think the bearing would have anything to do with that movement. If anything the gimbal ring or swivel pin wears at the top of the housing....but usually you will have side to side play also. You may want to make sure those (2) 9/16 nuts are torqued down at the top of the Ring.

Are you sure that it's just not some play in the rams that trim the drive. They are only rubber bushings that the front and back 2 pins go through. rubber will have some play.

Usually that up/down play/movement is a result from not having external ram-type steering. Not sure if I am saying this in exactly the correct way, but the pin or ("hing pin" ???) from the top of the gimble ring that inserts into transom plate assembly has become worn or loose. Once you have repaired it so that there is no longer any slop or movement external steering will help correct this and strengthen it.

Thanks guys, I do have mayfair external steering. I went back out and tried to wiggle again, the amount of movement is almost not even measurable. I can maybe get 1/32 of an inch of movement, just enough to hear it move but you really cant see it. I guess im being paranoid, with all the bravo failures we hear of i want to keep a watchful eye on them. Is there a good way to test the gimble without removing the drive? I know the drives were just serviced about 30 hrs ago so again maybe i should stop rubbing on the damn thing and throw it in the water already. c'mon sunshine where are you??

Is your ext. steering connected while you are doing this? You said that you dont have any side to side play. well you wont if your steering is still connected. If you unbolt your steering rams you will get a better feel for what kind of shape the gimble ring and swivel pin are in.

Every drive that I seen have this very little play is from the clearnace of the rear ram pin. Even more noticable on the newer bravos that have the plastic 1/2 moon wedge.

HIpref 2000 ,as many times as you have kicked that lady in the head, you must be ready to take on Chuck Norris.

You didn't hear what she said about me.

Having a Gimbal ring replaced now....My drive moved up about 3/8 to 1/2 of an inch

been there, its the swivel pin. Merc makes a kit to fix without dissasembly.