Gimbal bearing puller

Scott06

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Apr 20, 2014
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Ran into an issue pulling the gimbal bearing in my 2004 Alpha gen 2. Fresh water boat still has the original greaseable bearing in there, never had water in bellows...

an hour with BF slide hammer didnt budge it...

was thinking about getting this tool


Has anyone used this one, expensive but the reviews are good.

Alternatively was thinking of making my own out of a swiveling axle bearing puller attached to a threaded rod and plate across the bellhousing...

something like this https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MIx-OztdjqiAMVUTcIBR0myiwAEAQYAiABEgLA-vD_BwE
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
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Ayuh,..... I have an OTC set like in yer link, 'n have used it successfully,......

Years ago, I pulled a stubborn gimbel bearing, with a threaded rod, a heavy flat bar, 'n a washer 'n nut I slipped in-between the coupler, 'n gimbel bearing, 'n pulled the bearing against the bellhousing,....
 

Alumarine

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Feb 22, 2005
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Like Bondo I used an axle bearing puller with threaded rod as well.
Harbour Freight has the pullers for $29.99.

1727705723577.jpeg
 

Scott06

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Apr 20, 2014
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Thanks guys. I think that's what I will do axle bearing swivel plus some threaded rod and bar
 

ScottinAZ

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Jun 25, 2009
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The puller you show should work, unless it’s REALLY stuck…. The one I did last year had been in there since 1980, and BROKE two of the axle pullers…. I ended up having to remove the gimballing “eye” and cutting the aluminum outer housing with a dremel……
 

Scott06

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The puller you show should work, unless it’s REALLY stuck…. The one I did last year had been in there since 1980, and BROKE two of the axle pullers…. I ended up having to remove the gimballing “eye” and cutting the aluminum outer housing with a dremel……
Hopefully no cutting … did yiu have to take the bellhousing and bellows off to get in there ?
 

ScottinAZ

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Hopefully no cutting … did yiu have to take the bellhousing and bellows off to get in there ?

I had already pulled the bellows and bellhousing for access. I have large hands, and being able to see what I am doing is a plus. I cannot see how you would be able to use the "nuclear option" without pulling those parts... Plus it keeps the shavings out of the bellows.....
 

Alumarine

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