Help Please - Replacing P Bracket Bearings on a Hunter 26

[Scubafill]

While my boat is out of the water I have been advised to replace the cutlass bearings on my Hunter 26 (1990) as there is about 1/16" movement. (Sorry still imperial)

I have no idea on the correct procedure. I have searched the forum but can not find any info specifically about Hunter 26.

The bearings (2 I think) are secured in place by grub screws. Do I have to remove the shaft or do I just remove the prop and slide the bearings along the shaft (some hope). The prop shaft is 22mm (Metric !!) and is in very good condition.

How do I remove the prop? Do I need a puller or can I tap it off with a nylon hammer?

She goes back into the water on 16th March so I must rectify this urgently and I don't really want to pay a marine enginner.

Thanks

Phil

 

[Thistle]

It should be possible to do it the way you suggest. Use water to lubricate the shaft as you remove and replace the bearings: some bearings can be damaged by contact with mineral oil (as I've discovered to my cost in the past.) Take care as you tap the prop off not to lose the woodruff key which is likely to be between it and the shaft. Remember to replace the tab washer: it's false economy to try to reuse the old one.

 

[Scubafill]

Thanks Thistle.

Will I need to remove the shaft to remove the bearings or will the replacements slip along the shaft in situe?
How do you drove the bearings out of the P Bracket?
Are they likely to be corroded in from salt water etc?

Phil

 

[Thistle]

The bearing may well be stuck in the P-bracket. After you've removed the grub screws, try tapping the bearing out gently. Tapping it further in may also help to loosen it. If you can get hold of some brass or copper pipe 22mm internal diameter you could slice it down the middle and try sliding it along the shaft to knock the bearing out. If this doesn't work, I think you'll have to remove the shaft and make a couple of cuts right through the old bearing from the inside which should give room to free it off. Sounds drastic but it's relatively simple to do.

 

[ashanta]

The removal of the prop shaft is not a difficult or timeconsuming job. I Would consider taking the prop shaft out and then remove the cutlass bearing which will be much easier do tackle.

Regards.

Peter.

 

[Sans Bateau]

This is a job I have not done for a few years, but I have done it enough times to know that you need a puller to remove and repalce the bearing. You cannot go banging away at a P bracket, its only mounted in GRP! If you hit it enough you are likly to get leaks.

The ONLY way you will get the bearing out is, remove the propshaft, then take a regular hacksaw, remove the blade and reasemble it with the blade now inside the cutlass bearing. Saw through the cutlass bearing in two places, carefull not to go into the bronze P bracket. If you are lucky you can now gently tap out the old bearing.

The new bearing will nead to be pulled into the P bracket. The puller is a simple length of studding, with nuts and large flat washers to add a preasure surface against the bearing. Use a long socket (from your socket set) to pull against the new bearing. It MUST pull against the brass oustide of the bearing though. If it only pulls on the rubber insert you will damage the bearing. Make sure you get the right bearing, it must be a tight fit in the P bracket.

I can lend you the puller, I live in West Sussex. PM me if you would like to borrow it.

 

[wiggy]

If the bearing is made up of a rubber bearing with a fibreglass looking shell, remove the shaft (very easy) and once the screw is removed it may knock out, if not use large old screwdriver foce out rubber bit then break up shell.