Noisy Mercury leg tilt

[alapmac]

I have a 1992 Mercury 75hp on a Hardy 20.
The power tilt has started screaming so badly that it is embarassing to raise the leg.
Where is the problem likely to be and can I repair easily as I am about to be lifted out.
Thanks
Mac

 

[bdsweeting]

Is it short of fluid ?

 

[BrendanS]

Many people here can attempt a diagnosis at long range, but will need lots more info. When did noise start? did it creep up, or start gradually, or just happen one day. Can you pin down where noise comes from.
Do you get any noise from drive whilst running, or just while raising or lowering drive. When was it last serviced, etc, etc

 

[alapmac]

The noise was intermittent, but through the season became worse until it is now a continuous screech. It only happens when raising or lowering the leg. It is not the drive chain as it occurs with engine switched off.
I suspect the motor/bearings, but I will check the fluid level next week when it comes out of the water. The fluid level was ok at the start of the season.
Thanks for your interest
Mac