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Loose Gimbal Bearing

S

Supam

New member
Hi

Had the boat slipped for a leg service this week and the mechanic has advised that the gimbal bearing does not fit snugly into either (twin Penta 4.3 GXi with DPSM) gibal bearing housing on the transom assembly. He said there's no evidence of the bearings spinning - they're just loose.

Firstly, why would this happen? I could understand it if the bearings were spinning in the housings and wore the aluminium away but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Secondly, the fix is supposedly two new transom assemblies which means both engines out at a total cost of approx. $20K AUD (~$16KUSD). Is there any other option here? A sleeve? Welding/machining of the gimbal bearing housing etc.?

If it's gotta be a full replacement then I suppose, so be it but of course I'd love to avoid it if at all possible.

Cheers

Greg
 
Sorry to hear this. This happens when the bearing installer cocks the bearing in the TA and beats it in until seated.

What you can do to tighten up the bearing is to take a cold chisel and mark up the aluminum bearing holder. each chisel impact will raise up the aluminum and close up the gap.

I would only do this if it is slightly loose.
 
Must be worth a try to use a -----LOCTITE---product or similar.----------------I sure would not spend that kind of money if $ 20 might fix it !
 
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