gimbal bearing noise and failure

[marvinjansen]

I have a noise that sounds like a bearing that can be heard best from the rear of the engine on my Mercruiser 165 I6. I intend to pull the drive soon but am using the boat some and wonder what the gimbal bearing does if it seizes or fails? Any experiences?

 

[Don S]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

It could destroy your gimbal housing (aka transom shield) very expensive failure.

 

[mr 88]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

It may take out your coupler which in most cases means pulling the engine to install a new one.There not cheap. The coupler splines are aluminum and the drive shaft is steel.Your bellows probably has a tear in it, which will also allow water to destroy your universal joints if not caught in time.Sounds like that was awhile ago.

 

[Bondo]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

but am using the boat some and wonder what the gimbal bearing does if it seizes or fails?

Ayuh,... As with anything else,...
It makes a relatively simple inexpensive repair a potentially catastrophic expensive rebuild...

 

[marvinjansen]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

I am going to replace the gimbal bearing, bellows, check u joints, etc. For my 1973 Mercruiser 165 I ordered a Sierra 18-8205 transon seal kit. Not positive this is the right kit, but it is supposed to work on the "1" drive. did i order the right kit? Also, if a u joint needs to be replaced I was told the same size automotive joint can be used and is less expensive. Makes sense to me.

 

[dn010]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

I am going to replace the gimbal bearing, bellows, check u joints, etc. For my 1973 Mercruiser 165 I ordered a Sierra 18-8205 transon seal kit. Not positive this is the right kit, but it is supposed to work on the "1" drive. did i order the right kit? Also, if a u joint needs to be replaced I was told the same size automotive joint can be used and is less expensive. Makes sense to me.

A lot of auto u joints don't have grease fittings...not sure if this matters or not but I opted to get the correct replacements just so I don't have to worry about it..

 

[Don S]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

Have a look at this thread for different part numbers for the ujoints.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=238091

 

[ziggy]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

might as well R&R the water hose while your there doing the bellows.. yer in for a fun job..

fwiw. if ya ain't got one. get a u-joint adapter + the tool for pressing merc u-joints... makes u-joints easy..

 

[marvinjansen]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

I have replaced alot of auto u joints in my time. you can usually get a cheap one without a grease fitting and a better one with a fitting. I can't imagine one designated marine being any better.

 

[marvinjansen]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

I am going to work with a marine mechanic at the local salvage boat yard on this first time and learn from him. They also have alot of spare parts and complete drives just like mine. he doesn't mind me watching and helping some. only charged $90 parts and labor to do the impeller.

 

[marvinjansen]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

great info on that 2008 ujoint thread. Thanks

 

[ziggy]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

that's not horrible i don't suppose price wise. i just gave $50 for the impeller alone. 40 to R&R it ain't bad...

 

[marvinjansen]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

I look at it as education. I will do it myself next time. I have the manual on cd, but like to see it done. Same for the gimbal bearing and bellows.

 

[marvinjansen]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

I pulled the drive and the gimbal bearing is noisy and seems dry. Put grease in thru the fitting on the starboard side and it feels alot better now. I am inclined to leave it in for the coming season and check it after the summer now that I can remove the drive. any thots?

 

[Bondo]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

I pulled the drive and the gimbal bearing is noisy and seems dry. Put grease in thru the fitting on the starboard side and it feels alot better now. I am inclined to leave it in for the coming season and check it after the summer now that I can remove the drive. any thots?

Ayuh,... I suppose you could replace it now,...
Or,...
During the 4th of July weekend,...

Your choice....

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

Your bearing was loud enough to make you want to check it..You pull the drive. Then you look at it and its rough.. Now you are not going to change it after greasing it? You are kidding right? Do some maintenance.. There is a kit that replaces that bearing, all the bellows and gaskets.. It's not that tough to do. Less fun to do on a nice warm weekend when you could be out on the lake..

 

[GLENN M]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

if run dry,or was noisy its time to throw out,no two ways about it when they are rough feeling or making noise they are done wore out junk save yourself the nightmare.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

Replace the gimbal and bellows, check the u-joints lube with the correct grease. Automotive grease will take on water and turn it white. That will help rust up your new bearings. Get an alignment tool and check your alignment while your there. These are also cheap off of ebay. No way I would do that job twice it can and will destroy your coupler and or you transom shield. Do it right and dont worry about it for a few years.

 

[marvinjansen]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

Just visited the local boat salvage yard and the mechanic showed me how to change the bearing by rotating it 180 degrees and pulling it out. This is if it is installed with the slots facing out. I will check mine when I get home from work and see how it is installed. I know mine has a slip ring installed. I ordered the stern seal kit with the gimbal bearing from Sei for $80, seemed like a good price. I wonder if all the parts interchange with MC and Sei?

 

[marvinjansen]

Re: gimbal bearing noise and failure

What is the best grease for the gimbal bearing and ujoints?