Checking Cutlass Bearings

[capecodcruiser]

Can anyone walk me thru checking my cutlass bearings? i had an occasional noise when I put the boat in reverse last summer and it is bugging me where it came from. It was a knocking/grinding noise. Tranny fluid checked and fine, dove under and grabbed shafts etc to no avail. Not sure what I was checking for anyway. Thanks for any help. She goes back in soon so would like to take advantage of being out of the water if need be.

 

[Ka1oxd]

What I found was that the shaft had play when I wiggled the prop in the cutlass. From what I found out, they should be checked yearly and should be replaced every 5 to 6 years. Here is how I did it. I invested in a tool which was much cheaper than paying someone the first time

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27890&highlight=ka1oxd

 

[33ec]

I agree, bad bearings will result in play in the prop shaft that you can feel. if they are bad enough, you will have a noticable driveline vibration when you are in gear. the faster you go, the more pronounced it will get and it will only do it when it is in gear. I had mine done last year. there was no sound difference or grinding noise but I did have a noticable vibration

 

[rcknecht]

On my last boat I noticed the bearing was pushing out and looked like one of the cartoon with a blown up cigar... Not quite that bad... Also if you have any play in the bearing it should be changed...