Too much play in the hinge pins

[yernkie]

I have some side to side play in my 1997 Bayliner with an Alpha1 (Gen 2) and it looks like it is coming from the hinge pins. I am going to check them tonight, but is it possible to do without removing the lower unit?

 

[frank246]

Re: Too much play in the hinge pins

Side to side play? you mean shifting left to right or play in the steering?
In case jou need to remove the outdrive (not just the lower unit unless you want to replace the pump impeller now the o/d comes off anyway)
Remove the trim cylinders off from the lower unit studs, Shift into FW gear, remove the 6 nuts and pull the outdrive, takes 10-15 minutes.

 

[flargin]

Re: Too much play in the hinge pins

I have some side to side play in my 1997 Bayliner with an Alpha1 (Gen 2) and it looks like it is coming from the hinge pins. I am going to check them tonight, but is it possible to do without removing the lower unit?

Side to side play may well be wearout in the gimbal ring, I don't know if I have ever read about it in the Alpha's, but it sounds like it. if it is, your steering wheel will not move but the leg will swing back and forth > 1/4" then you likely have wearout. mine was at 1 1/2 inches when I got mine...

To take that off you have to remove the motor or drill out the head of the transom to remove the gimbal ring. take a look at these forums:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=249776
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=287901


you can have the rings re-built (I did that JR marine) or buy a new one.