Possible Gimbal Bearing Noise??? Part 2!!!!

[paultallett]

Hi,

So many of you asked me to post my findings on what I found the other week when the boat was lifted. I've waited until now, as I also wanted to fully sea trial her before posting my findings.

I met with the engineer on the day so was able to see for myself as he pulled the leg.

Before the leg was removed I had seen that the exhaust bellows had come away from the transom plate.....another job to sort then.

As the leg was removed, it was very clear to see that no water had entered the bellows ( a big relief). The UJ where in perfect condition, on feeling the Gimbal Bearing, it was smoothish, not perfect, but the engineer said he was quite happy that it wouldn't have caused me any immidiate problems.......So could have possibly been left till the end of the season. The bearing was replaced and the exhaust bellows cleaned up and re glued and fitted. My engineer then changed the leg oil and we both commented how clean and new the oil looked......(hopefully another good sign??)

Anyway, now boat is back in the water, BIG DIFFERENCE!!!! Boat obviously quiter now the exhaust bellows are back on, but we have NO extra noise at full lock......

So the conclusion is that the gimbal was only just begining to grumble, and with the addition of the bellows coming loose had not helped the situation...... The peice of mind since having it done is great, so I would now recommend not to delay in getting it pulled and replaced if you susepct a problem...

I hope this helps?

Paul.

 

[geardownthreegreens]

Thanks for the update Paul. I was interested in your first article and hoped you'd reply with a conclusion Glad its all ok now and your a happy chap.
Having my gimbal replaced this weekend before too much damage occurs,so hopefully that'll quieten my boat on lock.
Does anyone know if the gimbal should be replaced annually or just when it starts to grumble?

Simon

 

[tinkicker0]

It should be greased every 100 hours or so, but only replaced when it grumbles.
Avoid Mercruiser waterproof grease or others with teflon additives, the balls tend to skid rather than rotate and most Merc dealers apparently frown on its use.

I got the info on a yank boating website, but I think it's good.

Daft thing on the mercruiser grease, it says it can be used for Gimbals.

In my opinion, the really, really stupid thing on these drives is the fact that the grease nipple is under water, so its a lift out job.

When having your first bearing removed, have your engineer fit it backwards with the slots in the housing facing you as you peer up the bellows.
You can remove the bearing only without having to pull the complete bearing housing next time, saving a fortune in special tools. (alpha gen2)

 

[paultallett]

Hi both,

Out of interest my Mercruiser engineer did say they was now using a new type of Gimbal bearing that was none servicable. Mercruiser had been having a problem with occassionally the underwater grease nipple allowing water into the bearing and causing the trouble. The new type of bearing is designed to now be a consumerable part that is replaced at certain periods just like the bellows etc.......

Adds to the fun!!!!

Paul.

 

[tinkicker0]

Interesting. Have a gander at a post I made late last year.

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=182613&highlight=water+in+bellows

 

[paultallett]

Interesting. Have a gander at a post I made late last year.

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=182613&highlight=water+in+bellows

Wow......I think your on to something there!! It shows you have a very intimate understanding of the working of nipples.......!!!!! I take mate hat of to you sir.....

 

[nonitoo]

Hi both,

Out of interest my Mercruiser engineer did say they was now using a new type of Gimbal bearing that was none servicable. Mercruiser had been having a problem with occassionally the underwater grease nipple allowing water into the bearing and causing the trouble. The new type of bearing is designed to now be a consumerable part that is replaced at certain periods just like the bellows etc.......

Does this mean that the bearing is no longer lubricated by the underwater nipple ?

Like a car bearing, lubricated for whatever the life of the bearing is calculated to be ?

Tom

 

[paultallett]

Does this mean that the bearing is no longer lubricated by the underwater nipple ?

Like a car bearing, lubricated for whatever the life of the bearing is calculated to be ?

Tom

Hi Tom.

That right, the underwater nipple is now sealed off, the bearing is fully greased upon fitting and I assume is either re grease each time the leg is pulled or it is a consumable part like the uj bellows are......with an x years life span?

Paul

 

[nonitoo]

Thanks Paul,

I'll bear that in mind this autumn when the boat is lifted for annual maintenance.

Tom

 

[lovezoo]

It should be greased every 100 hours or so, but only replaced when it grumbles.
Avoid Mercruiser waterproof grease or others with teflon additives, the balls tend to skid rather than rotate and most Merc dealers apparently frown on its use.

This is the stuff you are supposed to use according to the manual:

Quicksilver U-Joint & Gimbal Bearing Grease

I had a lot of trouble getting hold of this out here and it looked liked the local workshops all just use 2-4-C (is that what you mean by Mercruiser waterproof grease?).

I was not impressed that the local workshops just use 2-4-C, but more work for them I suppose if it isn´t up to the job

 

[tinkicker0]

This is the stuff you are supposed to use according to the manual:

Quicksilver U-Joint & Gimbal Bearing Grease

I had a lot of trouble getting hold of this out here and it looked liked the local workshops all just use 2-4-C (is that what you mean by Mercruiser waterproof grease?).

I was not impressed that the local workshops just use 2-4-C, but more work for them I suppose if it isn´t up to the job

Yes that 2-4-C, it says on the tube that it can be used for gimbal bearings, but the Yanks say no. I just use that stuff for my pivots and linkages and stuff. For the Hardy Spicers and Gimbal bearing, I just use EP2 lith grease.

 

[jonno45]

Hi
The new gimbal bearing is sealed for life. Part number: 879194A01 comes complete with a blanking plug, The new bearing is for both Alpha and Bravo and has a white spot on the casing. Bellows should be checked every service, check the gimbal bearing as well. Also check trailer position. This is often overlooked and if not set correctly streches bellows beyond limits causing then to slip off. UJ & Gimbal Bearing grease is the only grease that should be used. P/No: 92-802870Q1. 2-4-C, Special Lube 101 or Anti-Corrosion Grease should not be used.