Gimbal bearing
 

i searched all over this sight and im pretty sure my gimbal bearing is going out. I get a clacking noise when turning sharp. not there when going straight and it dosen't affect the boat really at all other than being annoying. Sounds like a gimbal bearing right. Any input on what that will run me parts and labor? Its on a 96 mariah shabah with the 4.3 in it. thanks for the input

Yep that's a Gimbal Bearing. Had mine done last year when I noticed the same symptoms. I had read that once you experience the vibration, it's best to service it right away, since it can get progressively worse. Parts and Labor cost me I think about $400. If it's really bad and it's damaged the bellows, you'll be looking at a $1500+ replacement job.

ya thats what i was afraid of. thanks so much for your help. how often do they need replaced? my boat has 260 hours on it. is it possible that this could still be the orignal one?

They usually will last a while, I believe mine was the original as well, I had about the same hours as yours. They say usually some sort of "trauma" to the outdrive can cause the gimbal bearing to shorten it's life. If you've run aground, or hit any submerged things recently, that's probably what has caused it. Otherwise, I'd say the gimbal bearings probably last around 200-300 hours!

nope definately didnt hit anything. good to know they last a while. hopefully i can get her into the shop soon so it can be fixed so i can have her back by the 1st of the year! thanks again for your help.

While it's in the shop, you might want to look at replacing the U-joints as well. Its the right time to do it when the drive is already off, and they are not that expensive or hard to replace. If they are close to being worn out and not replaced, the repair can then get VERY expensive if they break!

If you do decide to have them replaced, be sure they replace them with ones that have grease nipples. :wink_thumbup:

300sflyer makes a great point! The U-joints could also be causing a "growl" when turning. I'd have the U-joints and gimbal bearing replaced at the same time (U-joints are relatively cheap, and as stated, the drive is already off so there shouldn't be much additional labor involved).

I think this is going to be maintance year for her. I will definatley look into replaceing those. Is there anything else that I should think about replacing? Normally if the weather is right i try and take her out about once a month during the winter time but this year the lakes here are so low that I might actually have to winterize her!

Check the exhaust flappers inside the Y-Pipe. Mine apparently just disintegrated after a few years. $46 in parts, but cost $360 in labor. I'll be checking those myself next time!

Well, as long as we're spending your money (I'm sure the possibility of you boating during the winter isn't playing any jealousy either :yes_grin:)...

Have the bellows checked, and probably just replace them. Again, they're already off, and the parts are relatively cheap, so you might as well. A great "piece of mind" item!

And again, while the lower unit is off - If you're experiencing any shift and/or throttle irregularities or difficulties, there is a lower unit shift cable that may be getting worn. If your trim gauge is acting up, there's a sending unit located on the lower unit (and subsequent wiring going through the transom unit). Maybe check lower unit seals (for the drive oil) also.

Don't freak out, none of these items may need replacement. I just think it's a good idea to be safe, and it's much cheaper and easier while the drive is already off for other repairs. Your mechanic should be able to give a full inspection.

Good luck!

I just had the gimble and the bellows replaced on my 1994 Z 241. Cost was $800 cash. PArts are cheap..cost is in the labor.

Frist of all happy new year! Unfortunately the majority of the boat shops where i live have been closed for the holiday season so i havent been able to take her into get looked at until monday when they open up again, not really looking forward to it. Labor costs are rediculous! Taking the sterndrive off dosent look to be that big of a deal except for removing the hydrolic arms for the trim i dont know how those come off. other than that i think i could replace the gimble bearing and the u joints myself. I have been doing some thinking and a little research. The Gimble bearing dosent generally just go out, they are normally damaged due to a leaking bellow but if my bellow was leaking then there would be water in my bilge and my bilge is always bone dry, even if it was a small hole the boat sat on shasta lake for a week so there would have definatley been water. Since the noise only occurs when the wheel is cranked all the way right or left is it possible that the sterndrive is being allowed to rotate to far both left and right which is putting stress on the u joints? Because the noise isnt there when going straight or turning slightly.

Pulling the drive and changing out the gimbal bearing and the U-joints is not that difficult if you are the least bit mechanically inclined, however even a small mistake can be VERY costly to repair if it causes further damage elsewhere.

If you want to do the job yourself, I would invest in an engine / outdrive service manual for your year of boat, and follow it to the letter.

As far as water in your bellows is concerned, it is quite possible to have water in there and none in your bilge. There is a seal behind the gimbal bearing which stops water from gushing into the bilge in the event of a faulty U-joint bellows.

If you are a contributing member, we have all these in the manuals and supplements section.
I was told the real "danger" is the shift cable bellows. If it's been comprimised, you will take on water.

I was referring to a service manual. I don't beleive these are contained here in the Mariah website.;)

http://www.marineengine.com/manuals/...ercruiser.html

We have the genuine Mercruiser and Volvo service manuals on the site available to contributors, in the "Service Repair and Operating Manuals" section, not the aftermarket Seloc manuals.

Didn't realize those were there too... Thanks!:wink_thumbup: