Manufacturer Recommended Service
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Service: | Gimbal Bearing |
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| Manufacture: | MerCruiser and Volvo Penta | |
| Link: | http://outdriveshop.com/gimbalbearings.html | |
| Description: | A bad gimbal bearing can cause lots of expensive damage. It can destroy your gimbal, drive and/or drive coupler. You can usually tell that your gimbal bearing is failing by the noise it makes. A bad gimbal bearing will make a "growling" noise when you turn the drive from one side to the other. If you hear a growl when turning to one side, chances are very good that you have a bad gimbal bearing. The sterndrive unit must be removed to inspect or replace the gimbal bearing. Gimbal bearings usually fail because of water intrusion into the ujoint bellows. Ripped or rotten ujoint bellows will allow water to leak in and rust the bearing. There must be no water in the bellows. If you have found water in the bellows the source must be found and repaired. Water can also enter the bellows if you get too much water in the bilge. Be aware that it's useless to replace the gimbal bearing if there is still a water leak. The water will simply destroy the new gimbal bearing.Gimbal Bearings fail for a reason. Simply pumping grease into the zirt fitting on the stb. side of the gimbal will not fix the problem. Usually the water that has leaked into the bellows is destroying not only the gimbal bearing but the ujoints and sterndrive as well. This is why immediate action must be taken. Failure to remove the drive and address the problem could lead to thousands of dollars worth of more damage. Even if you don't use the boat.... more damage will occur from sitting. Rust and corrosion will set in and ruin the gimbal, bell housing and drive. |
