[sirbb]

I'm rebuilding my engine, and when I pulled my out-drive I found the Gimbal bearing rusted bad and some water in the U-joint boot. I'm going to do a complete reseal but can get the Gimbal Bearing out. I'm using a 3 way puller with 5 LBS slide hammer, and its not budging. Should I just wait until I have the engine out and then punch it out from the inside.

any thought or suggestions?

[WetWilly]

Hi sirbb,

Make sure the bearing hasn't spun in the housing, if it has, you may need to replace the Gimbal housing as it may have wielded itself in.

Assuming it hasn't spun, have you tried soaking the bearing in Marvel Mystery oil or any other penetrating oil for a LONG time and at the same time, using a very small hammer to tap around the bearing to help the oil loosen the rust?

Another suggestion is to try freezing the bearing (rather than trying to heat the housing). After a good oil soak, use a can of CO2 or any other non-toxic compressed gas (like - Air in a Can) up-side down, this will cause the liquefied gas to come out to freeze the bearing, causing it to shrink slightly to ease removal with the puller.

When you do get it out, let us know how you did it!

Good luck,
WetWilly

[sirbb]

Thank Mr. Willy,
Sorry for not updating, but I got it out lest night. I pulled the engine to do it. I inserted a deep socket into a short 17mm socket , I held the sockets together with some duct tape and the seal ring held the 17mm. I then used a 1/2" socket extension and a 5 LBS sledge and gently beat on it for a while, finally it just popped out, caught me off guard, almost beat up the inside plate. Basically I made something up to beat it out. now on to the rest of the fun.

[WetWilly]

That's great news sirbb!

[indykoch]

Proof that duct tape will fix anything!!!