One for Spannerman!!!

[paultallett]

Hi Spannerman,

I asked a couple of weeks ago about a possible gimbal bearing noise on my Bravo 3. I got a one off noise when I went to hard lock at around 1800 rpm but didn't get it again at idle when I got my head near to the drive.

You recommended to put her on full lock and bring the revs up to see what happened.

Just got back from the boat and can report no noise or viberation when straight head. On full lock I get no noise at idle, then as I bring the revs up it get a little louder (as does the exhust and engine) but I wouldn't say it sounds unusual. Once I remove the very last bit of lock off the steering the noise goes off, even at higher revs........Is this normal for the Bravo 3 or does that sound like a grumbling gimbal??

Regards Paul.

 

[volvopaul]

It could be that at full lock the relief valve in the power steering pump is reaching full pressure and blowing off, that maybe the noise and nothing to do with the universal joints on the main driveshaft.

 

[spannerman]

Volvopaul could be on the right track, as gimbal bearings usually make a noise all the way down to idle when they are on the way out. Check again with someone in the engine room to listen to the servo pump, if its not that then the only sure remedy is to have the leg off and check the bearing with your fingers for roughness, and the U/J's on the shaft for free movement, if its more than 3 yrs since the bellows were changed I'd do it seeing as you are 1/2 way there.

 

[gingie]

sometimes you can get gimbal noise at certain points on steering lock due to alignment.

 

[paultallett]

Morning gentelmen,

As ever top advise. I have a feeling it's not the gimbal bearing. I think I may had just heard the noise for the first time when turning at revs and now it's playing on my mind.

Bellows have been changed in February, so I guess my main worry was I might have had a leak causing the bearing to go off??

Regards Paul.

 

[AndieMac]

Interesting you mentioned alignment issues. The techy that was with me last weekend, had a stepped/tapered solid alignment tool that he was being very particular with, after fitting the new gimbal bearing.
Also the thought of potential water ingress to the drive shaft area, after fitting new bellows, is at the back of your mind. I am going to recheck (slip the leg back off) after a few dunkings, to double check. I have heard a few stories about frustrated DIY's, slipping with a screwdriver and holing the bellows.
/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[spannerman]

Checking alignment is part of the service schedule, we always do it when we have a leg off even if its not for a bellows change, and it has to be done when you change the gimbla bearing or you will struggle to get the drive on again if ever without aligning the bearing first.

 

[AndieMac]

Thanks Spannerman, I have heard of alignment problems coming from factory setups, resulting in serious leg issues down the track. Not common, but never the less, can happen.