Contining Education - Maxum Boat Owners Club

Cymru · 04-01-2010, 07:33 PM

Hi All,

Guess what? I learned a new word today. "Gimbal Bearing" Isn’t that great! :-(

Just talked to the mechanic who was getting Wales Tales ready for the season and he's just informed me that the gimbal bearing is shot. He said it was totally worn out and needs to be replaced. He asked me if I'd noticed any play or fight in the boat at low speed and while I did notice that I seemed to have to over correct a fair bit, I never really thought twice about it since boating at low speeds is a continual game of small turns. Anyway, he says it’s going to be expensive but he hasn’t priced all the parts yet. Ouch...

Anyway, since I knew nothing about gimbal bearings I guess now I need a little continuing education. Is this just wear or could it be caused by something else? The boat has 200 hours on it. Lastly, since this is now going to have to be done, is there anything else I should have the mechanic do at the same time?

ss3964spd · 04-01-2010, 08:49 PM

Go here to continue your education on gimbal bearings. http://www.sterndrives.com/index.html

But with only 200 hours on it I'd suspect it wasn't greased on a regular basis.

"He says it's going to be expensive". When is anything boat related NOT expensive? LOL

Dan

Cymru · 04-01-2010, 09:03 PM

Dan,

Now you gave me a headache...

seapuppy · 04-01-2010, 09:04 PM

you definitely need to grease the gimbal bearings when tey are due...twice a yr is normal..that and the ujoint ...the newer gimbal bearings are built into the bellows and are sealed for the b3 drives..but...that doesn't mean they won't go bad..just means that I can't grease em.....
while it's all apart..might as well check the alignment too....

gotta remember...boat = break out another thousand!!
SP

Cymru · 04-01-2010, 09:12 PM

You're right seapup. Break out another thousand but that's the singular. I have a feeling we're talking boatsss.

ss3964spd · 04-02-2010, 02:28 PM

Sorry for the Excedrin Headache Cymru, "Gimbal Bearing" has got to be one of thee most dreaded terms for those of us with I/O's.

Don't recall what year you boat is but since the drive has to come off, as do the bellows, probably should replace all that stuff even if it appears to be in good condition. That way you're just paying for the parts now instead of parts and labor a year or two or three down the road.

Dan

Cymru · 04-02-2010, 02:30 PM

Fair comment Dan. I've got a 2001 2900SCR with a 7.4MPI and a single Bravo 3.

Argonaut · 04-04-2010, 01:46 PM

I have the 4.3 with Alpha leg ......... is greasing the Gimbal bearing releavnt on this, any tips ? ............ so far it just gets a full annual service, sounds like it should get a grease up mid season as well ?

seapuppy · 04-04-2010, 05:29 PM

Yes the gimbal bearing needs grease every so often....use approved marine greast....also every now and then..pull the props and grease the shaft of the props........

the gimbal bearings should have a zert fitting on the mounting ring on the stbd side...it's feed there with about 5 - 6 good pumps of the grease gun....

SP

Argonaut · 04-04-2010, 10:58 PM

if it is fully greased at service time .. and I am popping in extra grease, where will excess go ? .... just want to make sure it's not going to foul up anything else.

Cymru · 05-05-2010, 07:18 PM

Well, after several thousand dollars and a lesson in singing soprano, Wales Tales is back on the pond where she should be. The gimbal and what seems like every other part in the drive has been replaced and so I'm hoping for no more surprises at least in the near term. :-) Anyway, just thought I'd post a picture of a worn out gimbal. Cheers.