Table of Contents
What happens when a gimbal bearing goes out?
It’s usually a rumbling noise that gets worse when you turn the drive off dead center while in gear. Often turning in one direction will make the noise worse than turning in the other direction. The usual cause of gimbal bearing failure is water intrusion, which will screw up other stuff in there like the U-joints.
What does a gimbal bearing do on a boat?
In maritime use, they are used to support of the delicate gyro-compass and to dampen the movement of deck-mounted machinery that is also susceptible to the movement of the ship due to sea conditions.
Are Alpha and Bravo outdrives interchangeable?
The big to-do is pulling the engine out, but the Bravo One drive and transom assembly will fit where the old Alpha drive was. In terms of size, the drives are similar, and the height of the propeller shaft is about the same.
How often should bellows be replaced?
every two years
Inspect the bellows annually and replace it every two years. Many, myself included, feel that if the drive is removed for inspection, you may as well just replace the bellows while you’re at it.
What is the difference between Bravo 1 and Bravo 2?
In addition to triple-digit speeds, the exclusive performance torpedo design and dual water pickups allow the Bravo 1 to handle high and low speeds well. Bravo 2: The Bravo 2 sterndrive is designed for twin engine applications and can power a boat up to 55 mph for gas engines up to 450 HP.
How do you know if bellows are bad?
Here are a few symptoms if your u-joint bellows could be bad.
- Water in the gear lube.
- Water leaking into the boat.
- Noise coming from the back of the boat.
- Noise at the back of the boat when turning hard.
- Oil spots under the drive when the boat is dry stored.
How often should you change the bellows on your boat?
Inspect the bellows annually and replace it every two years.
What kind of grease do I use for gimbal bearing?
Don’t forget the gimbal bearing grease fitting. marine grease would be fine for all inboard applications imo.. most outboard grease bearings are generally low load rated so marine grease should be fine for all of them. just make sure you do it often enough.
What type of gimbal bearing do I need for my Bravo?
* Read more about replacing your Bravo gimbal bearing and ujoint bellows here. Most pre-alpha, Alpha One, Alpha Gen II and standard Bravo Gimbals all use the same Gimbal Bearing. NOTE: New style gimbal bearings no longer have the grease passage as they are now Permalube bearings.
What are the lock nuts on a Bravo gimbal ring made of?
The nylon insert lock nuts are made of Monel, an extremely strong material used in military applications. The U-Bolt kit fits Bravo Gimbal Rings and is an ideal upgrade for heavier boats and those running high horsepower engines. This upgrade will help to eliminate gimbal ring and swivel shaft failure in your Bravo outdrive.
How much does it cost to replace a gimbal bearing?
Part 30-879194A02 Standard Gimbal Bearing $114.00 Part 30-879194A01 XR Bravo Gimbal Bearing $117.00 Special Tools are required to remove and replace the Gimbal Bearing.
What is a gimbal ring?
The Gimbal Ring gives your drive the strength it needs. Gimbal Ring Kit Black (Mercury Gimbal) must be used with hydraulic steering This Part has options, please click the button below to order. This custom prop aerator kit is designed to allow air to the propeller which helps large boats with radical engines come on plane easier.