Failed Gimbal Bearing Removal and Advice

[powerman3007]

Hi guys, I have a Wellcraft Excel 20sx with a Volvo Penta 430b and SP-C outdrive.

My gimbal bearing failed catastrophically last time I was out. The u-joint sheared most of the housing where the driveshaft bellow mounts to the flywheel cover. It looks like there might be enough of the housing left to remount a new bellow, but there was so much pressure that the bearing pushed out toward the stern and has pinched the snap ring in the housing making it impossible to remove. Any ideas on what I might be able to do?

So far, I have been trying to push what's left of the bearing back in so that I can get the retaining ring out, pull the bearing out and see shat kind of condition the housing is in on the inside. Is it a lost cause?

If so, I'm assuming I'll have to pull the engine and replace the flywheel cover. Any advice or ideas?

Pictures are attached.

 

[Don S]

Re: Failed Gimbal Bearing Removal and Advice

It's not a gimbal bearing, and the housing is already junk. In your last picture, you can see that the end of the housing is missing from the groove the bellows sets in on aft. You can't even attach a bellows to what's left.

 

[powerman3007]

Re: Failed Gimbal Bearing Removal and Advice

Thanks Don. I'm assuming there's no way to fix that right?

My only option is to pull the engine and replace the housing?

 

[Don S]

Re: Failed Gimbal Bearing Removal and Advice

Not repairable, and yes, you have to pull the engine.

 

[powerman3007]

Re: Failed Gimbal Bearing Removal and Advice

Thanks again for the help, Don. Over the winter, I pulled the engine and purchased a new flywheel housing, intermediate bearing, seals, and snap rings. I'm having trouble finding information on reassembly though. I have the repair manual, but most of the procedures seem to refer to SX out drives.
From what I gather, install the sealing ring and bearing on the primary shaft, install them in the flywheel housing, then install the outer sealing ring. Is this correct? Also, does this bearing have to be greased, or do I use motor oil for installation?

 

[Don S]

Re: Failed Gimbal Bearing Removal and Advice

This should cover it.