While sorting out the wiring last weekend, i found that the trim sensor and limit switch wires were toast. The insulation was just crumbling off and one of the wires was broken by the limit switch. I promptly ordered new ones and received them this week.
I also did some reading up and found a thread (sorry I dint remember whose it was) where they did the replacement without pulling the gimbal. I will give the details here, again, where it may be seen by others and could help.
First, let me say that I have already inspected all of my bellows and my gimbal bearing. The bellows are all still in good shape, pliable, and show no signs of pending failure. My gimbal bearing is quite smooth operating and was well greased. So i was not inclined to pull all of that loose at this time.
My drive is an Alpha One with only a single bolt holding the sensor wire retainer. By turning the steering all the way to starboard and applying downward pressure on the trim, i was able to get a long 1/4 extension and swivel in there to remove the bolt. I went through pretty straight through the opening between the pieces of the gimbal. When pulling the wires out, I attached a string to pull the new ones through.
Going back in was a bit more challenging but not too difficult. First, I put the sensors in place and fished both wires to the port side (with the steering all the way starboard). I also put a little tape before the grommet and after the retainer to keep the half grommets in the correct positions. I was then able to pull the wires through the transom and into place easily. The real challenge was getting the retainer bolt in position and started. My smart wife suggested sticky tack in the socket to hold the bolt in the socket and extended far enough to go through the retainer and into the threads. I used a welding rod and my super long needle nose to get the retainer into position. I then used the long extension and swivel to hand start the bolt. I did have to use my needle nose to help guide the swivel into position. After a bit of struggling before the sticky tack suggestion, i was able to get it started and tightened pretty easily.
All that is left, now, is to adjust the sensors once everything is back together.
This weekend, i hope to attack the rest of the wiring and get all of the trim panels in place.