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Thread: Outdrive side to side play

  1. #1
    badscarab
    My 1996 bravo 1 outdrive has about 1-1/2 inches of side to side play in it. Ive been told that you need to drill 1 1/8" holes in the upper part of the side of the Gimbal ring and remove the gimbal height adjuster nut, then remove the swivel shaft and steering lever and replace them. I saw an ad in the May issue of Hot Boat that there is a new wrench available so you don't have to use a punch to remove the nut. Would appreciate any tips or advice from any one who has done this job. Thanks, Steve

  2. #2
    Tinkerer
    Did you try to tighten the two nuts at the top of the gimbal ring to 50 FT LBS. This will usually solve most of the play problem.

  3. #3
    badscarab
    No I didn't, but I will give that a try. Thanks

  4. #4
    badscarab
    That cured the problem.Thanks for your help!

  5. #5
    Tinkerer
    Make sure that You check those nuts at least yearly- If they get loose it causes damage to the gimbal ring that will eventually mean replacement time. And that is not a cheap fun job to do.

  6. #6
    badscarab
    I will definately be keeping a close eye on it, because I sure don't want to do that repair. What was Mercruiser thinking when they designed that? I also have the Drew Marine "Sidewinders" to help stabilize the drive. Didn't realize it was loose till I pulled the drive for seasonal maintenance. Was shocked that those two bolts had loosened up like that. Doesn't move at all now.

  7. #7
    Uplink
    Originally posted by Tinkerboater
    Make sure that You check those nuts at least yearly- If they get loose it causes damage to the gimbal ring that will eventually mean replacement time. And that is not a cheap fun job to do.
    I second that, I just found out mine has to be replaced. Maveric Marine quoted me at $2000! Don't let this happen to you.
    Retorque your gimal u-bolt regularly!

  8. #8
    Rocky
    I have to replace my gimbel ring also with 5-6" of play. Not cheap at all. Was told to always check the torque on those two nuts. And with a cat it will do it again in time without external steering. Expesive lesson learned

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