'02 Merc 75 2-stroke - removing lower unit bearing carrier - replace needle bearings?

[Bannister 6905]

I have a 2002 Merc 75 2-stroke with grumbly needle bearings in the lower unit - very slight noise when you spin the prop in neutral - no play and shifting works fine. No noise when under power, either in forward or reverse. Fresh water use only. New gear oil.
The bearing carrier has 2 nuts and washers that thread onto two studs in the LU.
My question is, are any special tools needed to remove the carrier, once the nuts and washers removed? Is there a 'trick' to removing it?
Thanks.
Bannister 6905

 

[racerone]

Are you sure the shift cable is adjusted correctly ?------------Have an assistant shift slowly to reverse and forward and see if the bad bearings go away.

 

[Bannister 6905]

Thanks for the tip.
No change when moving the throttle from neutral toward both reverse and forward.

 

[wrench 3]

The only thing you need to disassemble may be a universal jaw puller and a slide hammer if the carrier is stuck. For assembly you will need a piece of pipe to place on the shaft instead of the prop so things stay together. As long as you're only replacing the bearing in the carrier you will be OK for shimming.