Gimbal bearing

[FontanaNC]

I'm replacing gimbal bearing on 1976 mercruiser, I would like to just replace the inner bearing instead of pulling out the race which is in good shape. I seem to be having trouble finding the bearing part number, I have found skf bby-5572 but I'm assuming this is an old part number, does anyone have any idea what the part number would be or where I may be able to find it. From what I have read the newer types are non greaseable, any help would be appreciated.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Mercruiser does not want anyone installing just the bearing and not the carrier at the same time as well. They are made as a pair and fitted. Replacement of just the bearing will result in likely early failure. That is why they now recommend the carrier be installed with the bearing removal slots facing forward, so the bearing cannot be removed and replaced separately.

Rick

 

[tank1949]

I'd replace it all. Just remember that when you check shaft alignment(after bearing replacement), the alignment tool may become difficult to insert, because there is no doubt in my mind that you will disrupt internal bearing alignment as you hammer or press in the new bearing. That old of a boat, I suspect you also have rot somewhere. Rot will cause alignment issues. Don't panic!!!! Good luck!

 

[Bt Doctur]

If you could get just the bearing and if the slots are facing aft but it is not recommended because you have to drive it sideways using the inner race and thats not a good thing

 

[San_Diego_SeaRay]

In case people wonder about what's being discussed. Again, this is NOT recommended per above:

 

[harringtondav]

tank1949 has been there. It's a self aligning old Link Belt design. The ball bearing's outer steel race is radiused, so It can move around in a female radius in the alum. carrier. I got tired of trying to jiggle is straight w/my alignment tool backward, handle off. That will eventually work. I used my digital caliper's depth gage, and tweaked it with the backward alignment bar until the face of the inner race was parallel w/the outer (steel) race face. Then, slurp, the alignment tool jumped right in.

 

[thumpar]

After doing a bearing from start to finish I would figure it is easier to just replace the whole thing like you are supposed to than doing it the way you want. It really is a 5 minute job with the right tools. The only way I would ever do that is if the outer race is in there so hard that nothing will get it out.