drive shafts

[steved]

Boat Princess 35.
The cutlass bearings on the above needed replacing, instructed my local marine engineers to do the job, they advised that the bearings could be replaced without the need to remove the shafts. They have special tool (only one in the area) to do the job. Phone call yesterday from them to say unable to remove one of the bearings, shaft needs removing, unable to complete the job before Easter!! (They appear to have another 'rush job' which is taking priority over everything else.

Not happy with this, so I offered to remove the shaft myself and for them to fit new bearing and refit shaft etc.

Has anyone any hints / tips with to removing drive shafts?.
Thanks

 

[ccscott49]

Drive shafts are really no problem, if the rudder is in the way, it has to be removed. Then disconnect the shaft inside the boat andd take off the flange and any key present, remove the nut/flange of the stern gland and take out the shaft sternwise. Take this opurtunity to check your shaft for any wear and replace the stern packing. Mind you I dont know why they cant get the bearing out, normally the puller, a bit of heat and they come out. Once the shaft is out, its an easy peasy job to get the old bearing out.

 

[brianhumber]

Why can't they get the old bearings out?
Several homemade 'tools' can be made to tap the outer bearing shell out after grub scrrews have been removed/drilled out.
As last resort I have removed the old bearing material and then gently sawn through the outer bearing shell(both plastic and brass types). This needs a great deal of care but can be done, if you have been trained properly in mechanical fitting.
Sounds like you are being bullshitted but that nothing new in the smallcraft marine industry.