How to remove a gear housing drive shaft?

[glennj3]

My first time ever seeing such a thing I need to verify I am doing this correctly. First thing I verified I have the proper ratio, Which is 1-84-1, It has 17/19 teeth.

I have an extra outdrive and attempted to remove the gear housing drive shaft from it. I have it apart but can not pull it out. Any help here? I need it to check the pre load on the upper drive shaft bearing so I can begin and finish my outdrive job!!

 

[alldodge]

Are you saying that you have removed the retainer nut (item 16) and the drive shaft will not come out?

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/30870/2203/70

 

[glennj3]

Wrong drive. I need the drive shaft in the lower unit removed so I can use it to check the preload on the upper, driven shaft bearing.
I have everything off including the water impeller housing. I have the prop off, I would have to take it someplace to remove the prop shaft. I guess I will have to remove the prop shaft, then there is a nut holding a gear on, then I can pull it out?

 

[Bt Doctur]

If you mean the vert shaft in the upper you can also use the "old way" of checking preload. Wrap a string around the shaft and use a oz. scale pulling on the string.

 

[glennj3]

I need to see that one on You Tube !!

 

[alldodge]

OK my bad, You can remove the retaining nut with a drill instead of using the special tool. The carrier bearing removal depends on if you have early or later style.

 

[glennj3]

Thanks, I took it to my mechanic, nothing would allow us to remove the bearing retainer, had to drill it and brake it, pulled the rest out with a puller and wallah, got my shaft out. Now for the fun, start off measuring the rolling torque on the upper bearing! Hopefully the shims will come in tomorrow

 

[glennj3]

Well, the rolling reading is 2 inch lbs. I did replace the bearing so I guess it needs some shims!