gimbal housing replacement

[dan313]

I have a leak from the steering pin dripping into the bilge. The mec recommends changing the gimbal housing and says the motor has to come out to do the job.

Is this correct?

 

[NorCal Boater]

Yes, the motor must come out for that repair. However, it seems unusual to have a leak there on a boat that is only 10 years old. I think in this case I would seek out a second opinion.

 

[Mike Blake]

Did you check the bellows? There is 3 if I remember right.

 

[Quint4]

My leaking steering pin (actually called the Swivel Shaft) saga from 2009:

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/17425-Gimbal-ring-gimbal-housing-rebuild-pics

 

[dan313]

Yes the bellows was checked and is in good condition. My mec said the water is coming in thru the top of bell housing, I understand it is not uncommon for the steering pin to leak. The motor was rebuilt last year so I guess from removing the motor it must have disturbed the pin. to tell you the truth. I have no F@#$%## idea. All I know is that the boat is costing me a lot of money.

Quint
Did you pull the motor? you did not mention that in your post.

 

[Bt Doctur]

the motor does need to come out so the transom housing can be removed to do the repair correctly. Most likely leaking because the grease fitting was omitted but can be reinstalled in the housing. Rust builds up and destroys the seal and bushing. Now you have a leaker . I have a video on installing it and most times it can also be done with no dis-assembly. Just carefull drilling. If your mechanics interested I`ll post it here. This is a GEN II with a pic of the corrosion, and where the grease hole was drilled

 

[scoflaw]

I have stopped a leaking pin just by adding the grease fitting BT is talking about

 

[btyman11]

I have the same issue. Alpha 1 gen 2 slight leak on my port pin. I would love to see the video as well on this rather than replacing the whole transom assembly.

 

[Bt Doctur]

One change in the install is to drill the hole for the grease fitting first and tap it, the procede to drill the grease hole thru the brass bushing. http://vid57.photobucket.com/albums/g219/BtDoctur/DSCN2574_zpsd58d26ef.mp4

 

[btyman11]

Very interesting. I really wonder why they decided to do away with the fitting. Thanks!

 

[Bt Doctur]

To save money, what else. The older drive housings all had the upper the lower, the gimbal, and the 2 hinge pins. newer ones don't. when I did the twin that had the stbd leaking I CAREFULLY drilling the port housing and installed a fitting in that unit too without dis-assembly.

 

[Quint4]

"Quint
Did you pull the motor? you did not mention that in your post".

No,that is the point of the method I used.​

 

[scoflaw]

I added the fitting without removing anything, drilled until I hit the stainless pin, tapped, blew out shavings, install fitting, and when your putting the grease to it, it helps if someone is turning the wheel

 

[Bt Doctur]

And that same procedure can be done right here