sealed gimbal bearing

[scoflaw]

Is there an advantage to using the sealed gimbal bearing on a 2000 Bravo 2? I see they are a lot more money than the old style.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: sealed gimbal bearing

No advantage, Sierra 18-2100 $49.99 works just as well and is greasable

 

[scipper77]

Re: sealed gimbal bearing

My "opinion" is that sealed bearings are used in so many things today to take the maintenance responsibility away from the consumer. This has an advantage only for consumers who only maintain things after they break. The down side to this is that sealed bearings may not last as long as properly maintained greasable bearings.

From an engineering standpoint it has the advantage of a more predictable time until failure. Good for warranties and scheduling maintenance intervals. Of course the maintenance is to replace the bearing in this case.

Other examples of sealed bearings replacing greasable, Wheel bearings in cars, spindles on riding mower decks. I'm sure there are plenty more examples.

Again note that this is only my opinion

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: sealed gimbal bearing

As the vast majority of people don't maintain their vehicles worth a crap anyway, its just as well they went to sealed bearings for the masses...

 

[scoflaw]

Re: sealed gimbal bearing

So if a bravo coupler needs to be greased every 50 hours, how often does the gimbal bearing need it?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: sealed gimbal bearing

Maintenance http://www.mercurymarine.com/_media...erndrive-models/Non-EC/90-899883179-Maint.pdf

 

[Bondo]

Re: sealed gimbal bearing

My "opinion" is that sealed bearings are used in so many things today to take the maintenance responsibility away from the consumer. This has an advantage only for consumers who only maintain things after they break. The down side to this is that sealed bearings may not last as long as properly maintained greasable bearings.

Ayuh,... I agree completely...