cross bearing replacement

[acmpcm]

Hi
I have two(2) alpha 1 gen II drives 500 hours and used 6 seasons
one cross bearing is locked and needs to be replaced. all the other are smooth and no extra play.
1. should i replace all 4 cross bearings or just the single bad bearing, i know they are sealed. there was no evidence of water damage.
2. can the cross bearings be replaced without opening the gear case and removing the driveshaft assembly.
3. should they be replace with greasable bearing or OEM mercrusier sealed bearings.

4.Do you suggest replacing all the bellows at 500hrs/6 seasons? No cracks or cuts noted.

5. i have pulled out the gimble bearings for replacement. some forums suggest installing them backwards to allow easy removal of the bearing from the race for greasing. Is this correct?

Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: cross bearing replacement

A single bearing unit is 1 cross and 4 caps with bearings, and the snap rings to hold it onto the yoke.
You need to replace both ujoint assemblies, not just one at a time and definitaly not one cap at a time. Besides. You can't even buy just one cap.

2. can the cross bearings be replaced without opening the gear case and removing the driveshaft assembly.

Yes you can use aftermarket. Here is a thread on the different ones available.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=238091

4.Do you suggest replacing all the bellows at 500hrs/6 seasons? No cracks or cuts noted.

It's a very good idea.

5. i have pulled out the gimble bearings for replacement. some forums suggest installing them backwards to allow easy removal of the bearing from the race for greasing. Is this correct?

No, that is not correct. Merc even has a bulletin out specifically saying not to replace only part of the gimbal bearing.

 

[Bondo]

Re: cross bearing replacement

5. i have pulled out the gimble bearings for replacement. some forums suggest installing them backwards to allow easy removal of the bearing from the race for greasing. Is this correct?

Ayuh,....

And it's got Nothing to do with Greasing.....

The gimbel bearing is Greased from the Zerk, located at 3:00 on the transom shield....

 

[Don S]

Re: cross bearing replacement

Ayuh,....

And it's got Nothing to do with Greasing.....

The gimbel bearing is Greased from the Zerk, located at 3:00 on the transom shield....

Missed the part about removing the inner part of the gimbal bearing for greasing.

K =

One more suggestion to the original poster. AVOID the forum that recommended that.

 

[acmpcm]

Re: cross bearing replacement

Hi again,
thanks for your reply.
I did not ask the question correctly.

What i should have asked.. , Should i replace all the u-joint assemblys on both outdrives , if just one u-joint is bad?

thank-you for your quick responce

Anthony

 

[Don S]

Re: cross bearing replacement

No, just both ujoints on the same outdrive. If you want to replace the ujoints on the other drive because they are the same age, that's just a personal choice.