No gimbal bearing grease fitting older Alpha 1

[Strait 4]

Wanted to grease -service the gimbal bearing on an older 1972 Merc 140 ph Alpha 1 outdrive. There are only 3 zerk fittings present and all are to service the bell housing (upper, tilt and lower pivots). Can not locate any fitting for the gimbal bearing.

Original owners manual only references regular service for the U joint cross bearings. Clymer Manual is not any help.

Bearing was replaced 4 yrs ago by a marine repair shop. Outdrive is pulled and bearing is in good condition.

Any thoughts on how to apply grease or is this unit sealed-non serviceable?

 

[ziggy]

Re: No gimbal bearing grease fitting older Alpha 1

Any thoughts on how to apply grease or is this unit sealed-non serviceable?

best i understand, the real new style gimble brgs. are permalub. no greasing necessary...

on the other hand. some of the real old style drives didn't have a zerk on them to grease the brg. in that case, the brg. must be removed and a tool like this used to grease it.. http://www.mercstuff.com/greasepackingtool.htm

someone here made a hip brg. greasing tool out of an old carrier assy. it was pretty nifty. can't remember who though.

 

[Strait 4]

Re: No gimbal bearing grease fitting older Alpha 1

Thank you very much for the quick reply and link!

The next trick is going to be removing the bearing without damaging it so that it can be re-packed. Would rather be pro active with planned maintenance then having to replace it due to an unplanned failure.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: No gimbal bearing grease fitting older Alpha 1

The new Mercruiser OEM bearings are permalube, so if you are going to all the trouble to remove it, you might want to consider replacing it.

 

[Don S]

Re: No gimbal bearing grease fitting older Alpha 1

As I read your problem, you don't have a grease zirk in your bellhousing. There were some of the older models that didn't. The good news is the new perma lube gimbal bearings don't need lubed, so put in a new style gimbal bearing an go boating till it makes noise, then replace it. Bet it's 10 years or more away before it happens. If you keep the bellow dry.