Gimbal Ring Replacement

caruso1006

caruso1006

New Member
Sep 4, 2008
88
Pittsburgh
Boat Info
1999 260 Sundancer
Engines
5.7 EFI - BIII
Hello All,

I was wondering if any of you have ever had to replace a Gimbal Ring? My mechanic told me that the parts are expensive on the Bravo III...which I confirmed on eBay.

Here is a photo:

bbea_1.JPG

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He said the part isn't "real" bad yet, but it will need replaced. I know, I know...my mechanic is good with the fixing, just not the communicating.

So my question is this...I am mechanically inclined, but is this job something I shouldn't do myself? Also, while having this apart would you all suggest that the bellows be changed too?

Thanks for all the help!

Corey
 
I had to replace mine on my '99 270DA when it was 5 yrs old. The outdrive had about 2 in. of play from center to port and center to starboard. My mechanic drilled and set a zerk on each side of the pin so it could take grease at the beginning and end of the season, corrosion of the steel steering pin seemed to be the reason the hole was sloppy. I slipped the boat so it sat in water for 5 to 6 months of the year.

As for changing the bellows, it would be the lowest cost part of the project to replace...change it for peace of mind!
 
If you really need to change the gimbal housing, definately change the bellows while you are at it. In order to get the ring off, you'll have to take the old bellows off anyway; might as well replace them.

I have a thread in here somewhere documenting changing all the bellows and shift cable on my Alpha I this past spring. It was my first time tearing into it. It sounds like you can easily do this job. It's straightforward...just takes some time and some finesse in places (at least on the Alpha). You'll need a couple of special tools to do it. I was lucky enough to purchase a couple of used tools from members here on this forum to keep the cost down.

Also, may as well change the gimbal bearing while you are at it too...

Tom
 
Caruso - If you plan to tackle this, a service manual for a Bravo III might be a good investment.
 
I will be changing mine this winter.Lots of slop in my outdrive and a drip inside boat from steering arm pocket. Check out this company that offers some tips and sells a stainless steering pin.

http://www.jrmarine.com/Default.htm
 
There are a few special mercury tools you will need when replacing these parts...which you can probably source elsewhere for cheaper. The hinge pins use a very large drive socket (similar to torx), as well as the bellows tools which greatly simplify the installation of the bellows...
 
Quint4 said:
I will be changing mine this winter.Lots of slop in my outdrive and a drip inside boat from steering arm pocket. Check out this company that offers some tips and sells a stainless steering pin.
Click to expand...

Does the pin set in an aluminum pocket? If I remember, it does...ie there is not a bushing for the pin to set in. Wouldn't a SS pin cause come galvanic activity resulting in the gimbal ring to corrode?
 
Stray Cat said:
Caruso - If you plan to tackle this, a service manual for a Bravo III might be a good investment.
Click to expand...

Thanks I do have a service manual for the Bravo III!
Can any of you fine memebers give me a few links/photos of the tools you recommend? Since it is getting cold here in Pittsburgh this is one of the things I can do over the winter :smt021!
 
All the special tool numbers should be in your manual.

Last gimbal ring I did on a 260DA, I had to pull the motor. Thats only because I do not trust the holes they want you to drill and tap for those plastic plugs.

Best Of Luck:thumbsup:
 
SR Tech said:
All the special tool numbers should be in your manual.

Last gimbal ring I did on a 260DA, I had to pull the motor. Thats only because I do not trust the holes they want you to drill and tap for those plastic plugs.

Best Of Luck:thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Holy Crap...you are saying I have to pull the motor? I don't have the capabilites to do that, so this may turn into something I have to take to a tech. Now we are taking about some cash spent in labor....ouch.:smt089
 
it does not require a motor pull, although a motor pull is an easier job! ;-)

there is no problem with the plastic plugs, I have done a few of them myself without an issue.
 
OK, I guess I feel a little better about that! I subtracted the money that I thought this would cost...about 1200 I assume from the original price of the boat, but I was hoping to save a little money if I did the work myself.

I haven't decided yet, I think this may best be left to the pros...

Corey
 
"Does the pin set in an aluminum pocket? If I remember, it does...ie there is not a bushing for the pin to set in. Wouldn't a SS pin cause come galvanic activity resulting in the gimbal ring to corrode?"

The original pin is hardened steel so I do not see a difference replacing it with a stainless pin other than the pin itself should not corrode.
 
Quint4 said:
"Does the pin set in an aluminum pocket? If I remember, it does...ie there is not a bushing for the pin to set in. Wouldn't a SS pin cause come galvanic activity resulting in the gimbal ring to corrode?"

The original pin is hardened steel so I do not see a difference replacing it with a stainless pin other than the pin itself should not corrode.
Click to expand...

I agree with you there in the corrosion. I am not sure if the pin is set in an aluminum pocket or not...I haven't tackled this yet...the more I think about it, I may have a tech do it for me! :smt101
 
I have the same problem. Can't decide if i want to do it myself or pay to have it done. Please keep us informed of your decision and how it goes. This is one of my winter projects also.
 
khaynes said:
I have the same problem. Can't decide if i want to do it myself or pay to have it done. Please keep us informed of your decision and how it goes. This is one of my winter projects also.
Click to expand...

I will keep you posted. Part of me just wants to bite the bullet and have him fix the gimbal ring and redo all the bellows while he has the O/D off. If I can find the parts on eBay maybe I will save the money, get the parts and have him take care of this before I put the boat in the water in the spring...that way I can focus on upgrading the stereo system...which if I mess up won't sink the boat :grin:!
 
Didn't mean to scare you, its just how I do it.

I have access to all the hoists and cranes needed to pull it and can have it out quicker and actually get a wrench on the nut for the steering arm, before drilling and tapping those holes and using a hammer and chisel to get the nut off.

Your new gimbal ring should have new bushings in it for the 2 hindge pins. along with 2 fiber washers on either side.

Just make sure that you follow you manual step by step and you'll be fine.
 
Last edited:
SR Tech said:
Didn't mean to scare you, its just how I do it.

I have access to all the hoists and cranes needed to pull it and can have it out quicker and actually get a wrench on the nut for the steering arm, before drilling and tapping those holes and using a hammer and chisel to get the nut off.

Your new gimbal ring should have new bushings in it for the 2 hindge pins. along with 2 fiber washers on either side.

Just make sure that you follow you manual step by step and you'll be fine.
Click to expand...


Thanks! I will read the manual to see how comfortable I feel...do you also recommend changing the bellows while I am in there? If so, is this complicated?

Thanks again!
 
Sorry for the dumb question, but what are the tell-tale signs that a gimbal bearing is going bad?
 
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