What is a preferred method for removal of the gimbal bearing (hummer vs puller)?

[babikov]

I am going to replace gimbal bearing in Mercruiser, and it looks like there are two alternative methods. I don't know which one to follow.
First method involved a slash-hammer, which puts shock-loads on the transom in the backward direction; the second method involves a puller that puts stress on the gimbal ring pins in the forward direction (seems more natural, since this is how the engine pushes the boat).
So, my question is what method is safer for the boat (if a newbie like me does it), or both are safe? Which method is more likely to succeed, of both are reliable? Which method has caveats? Can that bearing be stuck midway, or something else? What are the typical mistakes that can harm the transom assembly, to avoid?
Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

[achris]

Either method will work, neither is better than the other. Generally, once the bearing starts moving, it usually doesn't get stuck...

I use the slide hammer and I've had bearings that took A LOT of pounding to get them to move, and there's never been any collateral damage...

 

[Bt Doctur]

seen both used and prefer the threaded rod method

 

[tank1949]

I am going to replace gimbal bearing in Mercruiser, and it looks like there are two alternative methods. I don't know which one to follow.
First method involved a slash-hammer, which puts shock-loads on the transom in the backward direction; the second method involves a puller that puts stress on the gimbal ring pins in the forward direction (seems more natural, since this is how the engine pushes the boat).
So, my question is what method is safer for the boat (if a newbie like me does it), or both are safe? Which method is more likely to succeed, of both are reliable? Which method has caveats? Can that bearing be stuck midway, or something else? What are the typical mistakes that can harm the transom assembly, to avoid?
Thanks for sharing your experience!

Be sure to go back with correct bearing and correct installation procedure . My Bravo transom plates do NOT have grease fittings, at least I have not been able to find them. I am not sure that Bravos had the option. Former owner mixed and matched. Therefore, I have to use sealed bearings. My previous Alphas all had grease fittings. Good luck.

 

[babikov]

Thanks to everyone who responded. My set up has grease fitting that perfectly works.

Also, I got an OEM bearing, finding an inexpressive deal over the winter. I compared the new and old bearings for smoothness and I think that there is some difference. So, prefer to replace the old one. The old one is not rusted or stuck, but few years ago there was a water in the bellows, which I fixed at that point, but I guess that some damage has happened.

So, it looks like the gear puller method (threaded rod) is the way to go. Thanks!

 

[kulle]

Thanks to everyone who responded. My set up has grease fitting that perfectly works.

Also, I got an OEM bearing, finding an inexpressive deal over the winter. I compared the new and old bearings for smoothness and I think that there is some difference. So, prefer to replace the old one. The old one is not rusted or stuck, but few years ago there was a water in the bellows, which I fixed at that point, but I guess that some damage has happened.

So, it looks like the gear puller method (threaded rod) is the way to go. Thanks!

I am going to replace gimbal bearing in Mercruiser, and it looks like there are two alternative methods. I don't know which one to follow.
First method involved a slash-hammer, which puts shock-loads on the transom in the backward direction; the second method involves a puller that puts stress on the gimbal ring pins in the forward direction (seems more natural, since this is how the engine pushes the boat).
So, my question is what method is safer for the boat (if a newbie like me does it), or both are safe? Which method is more likely to succeed, of both are reliable? Which method has caveats? Can that bearing be stuck midway, or something else? What are the typical mistakes that can harm the transom assembly, to avoid?
Thanks for sharing your experience!

For what it's worth, I used a gear puller and a couple heaves it popped right out. reinstall I used a thick PVC tube with diameter that fit around the solid part of the bearing and with a wood block, tapped it into place.