Driveshaft problem?

E

eb0248

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• Mar 12, 2013

• #1

Hi,

I pulled my gen2 outdrive off to change bellows/gimbal bearing/water pump, found some marks from the needle bearings on the gimbal bearing where it mounts (pic), also a groove on the driveshaft near the splines (next pic). Can I simply replace the bearing, and does the shaft need to be replaced...could this just be the result of bad alignment? I bought this thinking I simply could replace said items, I'd like to get it right the first time. Any comments would help.

Thanks,

Ed

 

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Last edited: Mar 12, 2013

Don S

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• Mar 12, 2013

• #2

Re: Driveshaft problem?

Those lines are from the tolerance ring of the gimbal bearing, has nothing to do with the internal bearing. Besides, it's a ball bearing, not a roller or needle bearing.

 

Don S

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• Mar 12, 2013

• #3

Re: Driveshaft problem?

Just replace the bearing, everything looks normal.

 

E

eb0248

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• Mar 12, 2013

• #4

Re: Driveshaft problem?

So Don, this is normal? Can I just mount the new bearing in place? I'm having trouble loading the other pic of the driveshaft...the circumferential groove (not even all the way around) about 2-3 inches off the splines...any thoughts?

 

Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1

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• Mar 12, 2013

• #5

Re: Driveshaft problem?

We don't have the picture of the shaft yet???

 

E

eb0248

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• Mar 12, 2013

• #6

Re: Driveshaft problem?

Sorry, you replied before I reposted.

 

E

eb0248

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• Mar 12, 2013

• #7

Re: Driveshaft problem?

Here's the driveshaft, the notch is more like 2-3 cm from the splines...first time uploading pics, sorry

 

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Don S

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• Mar 12, 2013

• #8

Re: Driveshaft problem?

I'm not sure what you're even asking about the shaft, it looks fine in that picture. That groove is an oring that keeps the grease in when you grease the coupler using the zirks on the coupler.

As far as the gimbal bearing, yes, install a new one and make sure the engine is aligned properly with an alignment bar. If you are unsure about that process, check out the stickies at the top of this forum (First two threads)

 

E

eb0248

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• Mar 12, 2013

• #9

Re: Driveshaft problem?

Yes, I see the o-ring. There is a divot in the drive, all the way around. Is this normal wear? No mechanic around here will say yes or no without first charging a service fee for eyeballing it.

 

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Don S

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• Mar 12, 2013

• #10

Re: Driveshaft problem?

Looks like some corrosion from the end of the coupler. Might want to stop the water getting to that area.
I sure wouldn't worry about that groove if it was mine.

 

E

eb0248

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• Mar 12, 2013

• #11

Re: Driveshaft problem?

Thanks, once again, Don...that's what I was hoping to hear. First time I've taken on the outdrive myself, wrench in one hand and Merc manual in the other. Actually broke down and brought the alignment tool, bellows expander, etc. Getting a quick education.