I replaced the gimble bearing on my 72 Mercruiser 1 drive (S/N 2913009) while replacing the bellows 2 years ago. After the job was finished, I found out that the carrier should have been installed backwards so the bearing could be flipped 90 degrees and removed from the carrier for greasing. Arrgh, kind of frustrating as I put it back together like I disassembled it.
I have the drive off and rebuilt engine ready to go back in the boat, but now wondering about the gimble bearing. It spins silky smooth, but there's no way to externally grease it on this old #1 drive. Couple of questions;
- how long should a non-greasable gimble bearing last, 10+ years?
- Will removing the bearing and carrier destroy the bearing, I think so
I prefer not to change the gimble bearing if it's good for several years, but have the perfect opportunity install another bearing/carrier so it is removable and greasable in the future.
I have the drive off and rebuilt engine ready to go back in the boat, but now wondering about the gimble bearing. It spins silky smooth, but there's no way to externally grease it on this old #1 drive. Couple of questions;
- how long should a non-greasable gimble bearing last, 10+ years?
- Will removing the bearing and carrier destroy the bearing, I think so
I prefer not to change the gimble bearing if it's good for several years, but have the perfect opportunity install another bearing/carrier so it is removable and greasable in the future.