Author Topic: Gimbal bearing tool  (Read 13859 times)

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Offline Rosscoe

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Gimbal bearing tool
« on: July 22, 2017, 05:07:58 PM »
Does anyone locally in Minnesota have a gimbal bearing pulled? Not the slide hammer type. I have Joes slide and the bearing is not budging.
Ross
61 Surflite 1964 90HP Johnson project
67 V163 Bayflite Super Sport  1989 100HP Merc
67 V164 Bayflite 120HP
67 V174 Crestflite Rat Rod
71 V175 Crestflite 350ci -Jet
73 GT 160
84 CVX 17  83 115 Merc
88 CVX-23 350 Mag

Offline Jason

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #1 on: July 22, 2017, 09:01:26 PM »
I think you can make your own. Look around online.
Jason S.
1974 Glastron Carlson CV16SS 140 I/O
1986 Glastron Carlson CV23 260 I/O

Offline dorelse

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #2 on: July 22, 2017, 10:01:33 PM »
I did the 'loan a tool' from AutoZone for an axle puller then made my own puller.  You can use all-thread to go through into the transom with big washers to grab the gimbal bearing and pull it out.  The slide hammer didn't work for me either. 

This did it...lots of PB Blaster, tighten slowly and it started coming out.

Pictures are here Ross:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/6ygGnGLSd9FY5At52
1990 Sierra 1700

Offline Rosscoe

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #3 on: July 23, 2017, 07:13:14 AM »
I did the 'loan a tool' from AutoZone for an axle puller then made my own puller.  You can use all-thread to go through into the transom with big washers to grab the gimbal bearing and pull it out.  The slide hammer didn't work for me either. 

This did it...lots of PB Blaster, tighten slowly and it started coming out.

Pictures are here Ross:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/6ygGnGLSd9FY5At52

Unfortunately, mine is not torn down to the level yours is in the pics and I dont want to go there. lol
Ross
61 Surflite 1964 90HP Johnson project
67 V163 Bayflite Super Sport  1989 100HP Merc
67 V164 Bayflite 120HP
67 V174 Crestflite Rat Rod
71 V175 Crestflite 350ci -Jet
73 GT 160
84 CVX 17  83 115 Merc
88 CVX-23 350 Mag

Offline Plugcheck

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #4 on: July 23, 2017, 10:00:47 AM »
I believe the idea is still valid even if your bell housing remains installed.  Use longer all thread rods and center over the pivot points and it should square up nicely.  Constant pressure, some penetrating oil, time, and a few taps should get it motivated to come out.    On a slight tangent from this ide, does it seem odd the new gymbal bearings do not require any grease?
Michael
1979 CVZ-18 388 CI Vortec Mouse
1980 CVX-16SS 140 Mercruiser
1979 CVX-16 Johnson 175
2002 Bennington 2275CC 90 Mercury
1985 Intimidator project
1989 Lowe 200 Redneck fishin Toon
2001 Godfrey Sweetwater pontoon 115 Rude

Offline Rosscoe

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #5 on: July 23, 2017, 06:18:37 PM »
Attempted a threaded rod set up today and stripped the threads on the rod. Wth?
Ross
61 Surflite 1964 90HP Johnson project
67 V163 Bayflite Super Sport  1989 100HP Merc
67 V164 Bayflite 120HP
67 V174 Crestflite Rat Rod
71 V175 Crestflite 350ci -Jet
73 GT 160
84 CVX 17  83 115 Merc
88 CVX-23 350 Mag

Offline Plugcheck

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #6 on: July 23, 2017, 09:49:18 PM »
What size all thread did ya have?  If single, I'd use 1/2", if you had two, then 3/8" should suffice.   Most all thread is fairly soft, but you can special order both higher strength and finer thread stuff.
Michael
1979 CVZ-18 388 CI Vortec Mouse
1980 CVX-16SS 140 Mercruiser
1979 CVX-16 Johnson 175
2002 Bennington 2275CC 90 Mercury
1985 Intimidator project
1989 Lowe 200 Redneck fishin Toon
2001 Godfrey Sweetwater pontoon 115 Rude

Offline dorelse

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #7 on: July 23, 2017, 09:50:36 PM »
Attempted a threaded rod set up today and stripped the threads on the rod. Wth?

Didn't some older ones have a snap ring to lock the gimbal in place?  Any chance that's what's holding you up?
1990 Sierra 1700

Offline Rosscoe

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #8 on: July 24, 2017, 04:54:34 AM »
What size all thread did ya have?  If single, I'd use 1/2", if you had two, then 3/8" should suffice.   Most all thread is fairly soft, but you can special order both higher strength and finer thread stuff.

It was 3/4 dia
Ross
61 Surflite 1964 90HP Johnson project
67 V163 Bayflite Super Sport  1989 100HP Merc
67 V164 Bayflite 120HP
67 V174 Crestflite Rat Rod
71 V175 Crestflite 350ci -Jet
73 GT 160
84 CVX 17  83 115 Merc
88 CVX-23 350 Mag

Offline Rosscoe

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #9 on: July 24, 2017, 04:56:07 AM »
Didn't some older ones have a snap ring to lock the gimbal in place?  Any chance that's what's holding you up?

None of the vids I watched showed removing anything. I was thinking the same thing.
Ross
61 Surflite 1964 90HP Johnson project
67 V163 Bayflite Super Sport  1989 100HP Merc
67 V164 Bayflite 120HP
67 V174 Crestflite Rat Rod
71 V175 Crestflite 350ci -Jet
73 GT 160
84 CVX 17  83 115 Merc
88 CVX-23 350 Mag

Offline 75starflight

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #10 on: July 24, 2017, 12:24:09 PM »
Phoenix has the snap ring in front of the gimbal bearing. What a PITA that was to get out. good thing I was changing the bellows, because that was the only way I was able to get the snap ring out.
1975 v-179 starflite

Offline fireman24mn

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #11 on: July 24, 2017, 02:03:59 PM »
If I remember right my 18 had the snap ring as well. It was a PITA to get out.
I think this has become an addiction.


1977 CV-23 I/O Full Resto complete
1976 CV-16 V8 Resto in progress
1985 Pearson MotorYacht 43ft

Offline Rich_V174SS

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #12 on: July 24, 2017, 03:44:39 PM »
1967 V174 Crestflite SuperSport Modified
1987 Mercruiser 190 3.7LX/Alpha One

1970 V176 Swinger
1983 Mercury 115

Offline 75starflight

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #13 on: July 24, 2017, 03:46:48 PM »
I bought one of these from ebay a few years ago, used it several times:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Boat-Alpha-Bravo-Omc-Gimbal-Bearing-Puller-Remover-/270696993312?hash=item3f06cc5220:g:WBkAAMXQUmFSfQVL&vxp=mtr

I have this gimbal tool also. Worked great after I removed the PITA snap ring. I wish I would not have reinstalled that snap ring when I was done.
1975 v-179 starflite

Offline Rosscoe

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #14 on: July 24, 2017, 05:48:31 PM »
Rich?
Snap ring on an 88 alpha?
Ross
61 Surflite 1964 90HP Johnson project
67 V163 Bayflite Super Sport  1989 100HP Merc
67 V164 Bayflite 120HP
67 V174 Crestflite Rat Rod
71 V175 Crestflite 350ci -Jet
73 GT 160
84 CVX 17  83 115 Merc
88 CVX-23 350 Mag

Offline Rich_V174SS

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  • 1967 V174 Crestflite SuperSport Modified
Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #15 on: July 24, 2017, 05:50:49 PM »
Rich?
Snap ring on an 88 alpha?

Shouldn't be. I've seen them on really old transom assemblies, like pre-alpha. I think my '67 had a snap ring and the bearing had a shim foil around it. The bearings weren't pressed in like they are on Alpha and newer.
1967 V174 Crestflite SuperSport Modified
1987 Mercruiser 190 3.7LX/Alpha One

1970 V176 Swinger
1983 Mercury 115

Offline Rosscoe

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #16 on: July 24, 2017, 05:52:13 PM »
I was hoping that was an older design.
SOB must just be REALLY stuck!
« Last Edit: July 24, 2017, 05:53:57 PM by Rosscoe »
Ross
61 Surflite 1964 90HP Johnson project
67 V163 Bayflite Super Sport  1989 100HP Merc
67 V164 Bayflite 120HP
67 V174 Crestflite Rat Rod
71 V175 Crestflite 350ci -Jet
73 GT 160
84 CVX 17  83 115 Merc
88 CVX-23 350 Mag

Offline Jason

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #17 on: July 25, 2017, 09:05:16 AM »
My 86 did not have a snap ring. My gimbal came out pretty easily with a slide hammer though.
Jason S.
1974 Glastron Carlson CV16SS 140 I/O
1986 Glastron Carlson CV23 260 I/O

Offline Rosscoe

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #18 on: July 25, 2017, 09:53:48 AM »
It's getting very frustrating
Ross
61 Surflite 1964 90HP Johnson project
67 V163 Bayflite Super Sport  1989 100HP Merc
67 V164 Bayflite 120HP
67 V174 Crestflite Rat Rod
71 V175 Crestflite 350ci -Jet
73 GT 160
84 CVX 17  83 115 Merc
88 CVX-23 350 Mag

Offline Plugcheck

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Re: Gimbal bearing tool
« Reply #19 on: July 25, 2017, 10:29:00 AM »
     Here is a link to the discontinued tool.   https://sme4.safe-order.net/mercstuff/snapringpliers.htm    Provides some insight as to what and when this ring exists, and confirms there is no need to put it back in if you are using the new bearing without grease channel.   Just a suggestion, maybe swing by the local Harbor Freight and pick up a set of the long nose pliers.   Perfrom a bit of surgery on the tips to fit the snap ring holes and give that a shot.   As for puller, I use a slide hammer with a 12lb weight, most are 5 lbs.  It really motivates parts rather well compared to my smaller slide hammer.   Hard to believe the threads pulled off a 3/4 threaded rod, you would think you could pull the engine through that hole with that much force.
Michael
1979 CVZ-18 388 CI Vortec Mouse
1980 CVX-16SS 140 Mercruiser
1979 CVX-16 Johnson 175
2002 Bennington 2275CC 90 Mercury
1985 Intimidator project
1989 Lowe 200 Redneck fishin Toon
2001 Godfrey Sweetwater pontoon 115 Rude