Gimbal bearing replacement?

[berke99]

I have an 1988 Lund Tyee 5.5 with a 3.0 liter motor and a Cobra stern drive. How difficult is it to drop the lower unit and replace the gimbal bearing? Thanks for any info.

[Valv]

It is not a easy job, but not too tough neither.

If you know mechanic in general, get a good manual and go for it.

[Surface Tension]

As Valv said, get a manual. One step some manuals fail to point out is the removal of the snap ring that holds the bearing in place. Something else you will most likely need is a pilot tool to aligned the bearing once its set in. Some shops might do that alignment for you but remember they are busy. A slide hammer will work to pull the bearing, use just a little force as you work around the bearing. You might find out once the drive is off that your drive bellows is shot. If theres any water in there, it is.

You can replace it with the gimble ring still on but its a bugger to work it into place that way.

You'll need a new drive gasket kit along with cement for the bellows and gimble grease. I get my parts on-line at mercstuff.

When it comes time to put the drive back on be sure to have the shift linkage in its proper place.

A side note on winterizing, you should be pulling the drive off and greasing the splined shaft and u-joints every fall.

[berke99]

Thanks for your input! I still don't know if I will try it myself or not- thanks again.

[Valv]

If you don't feel comfortable, just don't do it. ST is correct, while checking bearing replace the bellows, but these ARE a pain to replace without major teardown.