Gimbal Ring pin replacment

[jopes]

I have a 88 Alpha 1 and need to replace the upper and lower pins. Should all the pins be replaced at the same time?

I am looking at mercruiserparts.com and it asks if I have a splined or square upper pin. How do I know if I don't have it apart?

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Gimbal Ring pin replacment

If you have an original 88 then you should have square/square. Chances are both the upper and lower pivot pins are just fine. The upper is steel and the ring is aluminum, so the ring will ware rather than the pin. The lower pin (also steel) is fixed and the ring turns on either a roller (probably in an 88) or oillite type bearing, again the pin is probably OK. If anything is worn out it is the ring. Does it have a lot of play? Have you tried retorquing the gimbal ring clamping bolts to 55 ft. lb.? You may not need anything more than to tighten things up.

 

[jopes]

Re: Gimbal Ring pin replacment

the lower is moving back and forth about 3/32 of a inch.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Gimbal Ring pin replacment

the lower is moving back and forth about 3/32 of a inch.

Chances are the roller bearing in the bottom of the gimbal ring is shot. #2 here: http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...&bnbr=50&bdesc=GIMBAL+RING+AND+STEERING+LEVER I am pretty sure you have to remove the ring to replace it.

 

[jopes]

Re: Gimbal Ring pin replacment

I pulled the pin with the drive supported to see if it was a roller bearing, there are no rollers in it and it has a smooth bore. Something like you would have on a brass bushing.

Is the roller a upgrade?


The top was a little off of spec, I did torque it back up to 55ftlbs which snugged up the top.