Twist the gimbal bearing out.

Dave-R

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Mar 18, 2008
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441
I am getting ready to replace my gimbal bearing in my 2002 Volvo SX. I have done four or five of these, and none was really fun. I use a slide hammer, with a rear axle bearing puller to remove them. I understand that you can actually use the notches in the bearing to spin the bearing out. Anyone actually try this? Also what is the thinking on the sealed bearings that are not greased ever ? Thanks Dave-R
 

Fun Times

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May 16, 2009
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Turning the "bearing" will depend on what direction the bearing assembly was installed. A lot of the later models are installed with the notches facing the boat/engine not the drive. If the notches are facing you at the drive then yes you can give it a go but you still will need/want to change the tolerance ring especially if you go to a non greaseable gimbal bearing which is becoming more standard to find during the ordering process of most places.

These two links should help,
http://www.mercstuff.com/gimbalbearing1.htm
http://www.mercstuff.com/gimbalbrgandring.htm

To grease or not to grease is mixed emotions. The perma-lube gimbal bearings started being used by Mercruiser right around 2009. One plus to the perma-lube is it's much cleaner when servicing ever year or two. Maybe to help with what direction to go would be if your U-joints are perma-lube or not? Save on bearing/u-joint grease cost if you don't have to grease the U-joints.

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...46-permalube-gimbal-brg?p=4137499#post4137499

Have fun.:)
 

Dave-R

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 18, 2008
Messages
441
Thanks Bruce, and Fun times. I have a set of those rear axle bearing pullers, and I tried one using my slide hammer with it on the last one I did. I will try and see if It will thread on 1/2" all thread, and make a plate for it. I like that a lot more than the slide hammer method I have always used. Dave-R
 

smassey22180

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Apr 15, 2013
Messages
210
I had a monster wheel bearing stuck in my car. Around 100 mm x 35 mm. I tried everything above and finally ended up using steel plates and a long 3/4" grade 8 bolt and nut from Lowes. That was able to take an impact wrench without any damage. Before that I broke 3 or 4 different pullers with hand tools. And don't forget to freeze your new bearing before you put it back in. The cold makes it go in easier.
 
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