What are the symptoms of a bad gimbal bearing?

Your gimbal bearing will make the most noise when turning the boat. Will be a low pitched growl. Noise will usually subside some after several shots of grease to the gimbal zerk on the starboard side of the transom housing. A bad gimbal bearing will make noise anytime engine is running.

How often should you grease gimbal bearing?

every season or ~ 50 hours.

What is the gimbal on a boat?

on a Boat, the gyroscopes, rate gyros, marine compasses, stoves, and even drink holders, typically use gimbals to keep them upright with respect to the horizon despite the ship’s pitching and rolling. The Gimbal suspension used for mounting compasses is also referred to as Cardan suspension.

How often should you replace bellows?

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.

How do I know if my bellows are leaking?

If it is leaking badly, you’ll hear a roaring sound coming from the back of the boat. That’s a sure sign. It’s basically water getting into the bearing grease and rusting the bearing. The bellows itself is the beefy rubber boot that goes from the transom assembly to the upper drive housing.

Where is gimbal bearing grease fitting?

The gimbal bearing grease fitting is on the outside of the gimbal housing. If looking at the rear of the boat, its on the right. It is close to the hull and somewhat set into the gimbal housing.

What is a ZERK?

Grease fittings, also known as zerk fittings or grease nipples, serve as lubrication points on bearing housings or other mechanical components. Their design provides a secure connection to a grease gun coupler for delivering precise amounts of grease into bearings and other moving systems.

How long does it take to change a gimbal bearing?

Total Cost for Repair Work: $500 3-4 days to complete.

Is a gimbal bearing?

Gimbal bearings are specialty ball bearings/races. One of their main marine uses is in boat engine drive shafts where the bearings maintain alignment using gimbal technology.

How do I check my bellows?

Use your fingers to pull apart the folds of the boot so you can see down into its valleys. Also, whenever you have the drive off for servicing, be sure to look at the boots from the inside, or have them looked at. Check for rust on the output shaft and U-joints, which is a sure sign water has intruded.

Can I run my boat with a torn exhaust bellow?

Yes, you can operate the boat with a damaged exhaust bellows.