drive shaft and gimbal bearing quendry

[Dterry84]

Hi all,
I am aligning my inboard using a Vevor alignment tool and also installed a new gimbal bearing. After struggling to fit the tool in through the gimbal bearing I ended up getting the tool stuck in the bearing and had to take it out. Well, come to find out the tool measures 1.37 inch and the bearing I.D. measures around 1.35 inch.
I also went back and measured the old bearing in which measured 1.35 inch, but the drive shaft measures 1.37 where the two o rings reside. My question is the driveshaft suppose to fit really tight onto the bearing as if it was almost being pressed on? Or did the previous owner also purchase a bearing that is not the correct size?

5.7L 260 V8 Mercruiser
Alpha one Gen one
Best,
Dan

 

[todhunter]

I've got a 1987 5.7L 260 V8 Merc with a Alpha 1 Gen 1 also, and I did a full transom assembly overhaul last year, including a gimbal bearing. The tool and driveshaft is a close fit, but it was definitely NOT an interference fit.

 

[Jakem]

I used the same tool. I had a hard time as well until it was lined up really close. I got tool in and smacked it back and forth. Up and down and it lined up good. Tool then slid all the way home easy

 

[Rick Stephens]

These are the proper dimensions:

 

[Dterry84]

Thanks all and does any know what the inner dimension of the bearing should be? I’m measuring around 1.36 inch

Best,
Dan

 

[1960 Starflite]

Thanks all and does any know what the inner dimension of the bearing should be? I’m measuring around 1.36 inch

Best,
Dan

When it comes to bearing/shaft dimensions tolerance values are stated in thousands of an inch and sometimes ten-thousands of an inch. .000 and .0000. You really need to add at least one decimal point.

 

[Alumarine]

Just checked a used but not worn one and it's 1.384"

 

[Dterry84]

When it comes to bearing/shaft dimensions tolerance values are stated in thousands of an inch and sometimes ten-thousands of an inch. .000 and .0000. You really need to add at least one decimal point.

 

[Rick Stephens]

What brand bearing?

 

[rustybronco]

Hi all,
My question is the driveshaft suppose to fit really tight onto the bearing as if it was almost being pressed on? Or did the previous owner also purchase a bearing that is not the correct size?

5.7L 260 V8 Mercruiser
Alpha one Gen one
Best,
Dan

There has to be some sort of interference fit between the shaft and the gimbal bearing or the the inner bearing race would spin on the shaft. I could tap my bearing on and off the shaft with a copper hammer.