Outdrives.Net     Mercruiser Sterndrive Information, Outdrive Information
Mercruiser Parts Mercruiser Help Mercruiser Manuals Mercruiser Tools Mercruiser Outdrives Contact


Gimbal Bearing

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.

Read more about replacing your Alpha One gimbal bearing and ujoint bellows here.
Read more about replacing your Alpha Gen II gimbal bearing and ujoint bellows here.
Read more about replacing your Bravo gimbal bearing and ujoint bellows here.

Most pre-alpha, Alpha One, Alpha Gen II and standard Bravo Gimbals all use the same Gimbal Bearing.
XR Bravo drives use a special gimbal bearing with a larger center race.

             Gimbal bearing

Order Now:
Part 30-60794A4 Standard Gimbal Bearing $84.90
Part 30-862540A3 XR Bravo Gimbal Bearing $104.70

Special Tools are required to remove and replace the Gimbal Bearing.
A slide hammer with triple inverted jaws works best to remove the old bearing.
It grabs the inner race from the front side and allows for relatively easy removal
There is a set of three tools used to install the new gimbal bearing.
Below is a complete list of tools required to replace the gimbal bearing.

Order Now:
91-34569A1 Slide Hammer Kit
91-37323 Driver Rod
91-32325T Driver Head
91-30366T1 Mandrel Head


Mercruiser Sterndrive Parts.
Pre-Alpha, R, MR and MC1 Parts
Alpha One Parts
Alpha One Gimbal (Transom) Parts and Kits
Alpha Gen II Parts
Alpha Gen II Gimbal (Transom) Parts and Kits
Bravo One Parts
Bravo Two Parts
Bravo Three Parts
Bravo Gimbal (Transom) Parts and Kits
TR and TRS Parts
Transom Seal Kits
Gimbal Bearings
Shift Cable Kits
Gear Kits
Shift Interrupter Switch Kits
Anodes and Zinc Kits
Water Pump Kits
Power Trim Pump Kits and Trim System Parts
Decal Sets
Sterndrive Special Tools
Mercruiser shop Manuals
Propellers
Remote Controls
Gauges
Trim Sender Switches
Mercruiser Engine Parts
Filters and Filter Kits
Tuneup Kits
Carburetor Rebuild Kits
Carburetors
Raw Water Pump Kits
Circulation Water Pumps
Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Wire Kits
Gasket Sets
Exhaust Manifolds
Exhaust Elbows
Exhaust Riser Kits
Exhaust Water Shutter Kits
Ignition Modules and Ignition Coils
Cooling System Parts
Starter Motors
Solenoids
Alternators and Charging Systems
Belts and Belt-Pulley Kits
Drive Couplers
Fuel Pumps (Mechanical and Electric)
Wire Harnesses
Gauges and Instruments
Partial Engine Assemblies
Grease, Lubricants and Adhesives

©2004 Outdrives.Net •EmailAbout UsHomeReturn Policy Mercruiser HelpShop ManualsSearchContact

Note: We are NOT Mercury Marine or Mercruiser.