Gimbal bearing replaced and now have a steering knock.

[wrestling coach]

A friend replaced his gimbal bearing in his Mercruiser. Put the boat back in the water at a launch and all was good. Two mile run back to his slip and he now has a knock on left and right steering but OK straight ahead. Any ideas?

Dennis

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Re: Gimbal bearing replaced and now have a steering knock.

1 possibility-- Exhaust bellows hose clamp-- the screw head needs to be up on the side for it to clear transom housing on my alpha one. Only a problem when the drive is all the way down.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Gimbal bearing replaced and now have a steering knock.

more likely not fully seated in the transom housing, what did you use to seat the bearing?

 

[wrestling coach]

Re: Gimbal bearing replaced and now have a steering knock.

He tried to use a drift pin tapping top/bottom, left/right and so on.

Dennis

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Gimbal bearing replaced and now have a steering knock.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6A4R3.PDF
page 4A-14 using a drift may have peened the tolerance ring and prevented it from fully seating.

 

[wrestling coach]

Re: Gimbal bearing replaced and now have a steering knock.

OK. This makes sense as to how the effort went. Thanks so much.

Dennis

 

[wrestling coach]

Re: Gimbal bearing replaced and now have a steering knock.

Upon further review. Torn apart again. Universal joints slapping the side of the case. Bearing way too tight on shaft and not allowing any travel when turning. Changed everything about the universal joints when turning. Bought the bearing on EBAY (China). I know, I know but not my boat. Making the fix now. Thanks

Dennis