I am planning on replacing the cutless bearing next week without removing the shaft. I have made a tool to do the job and am wondering if heating the strut will loosen the bearing for removal. Anybody know or have done this?
cutless bearing
- Thread starter roger keen
- Start date
I found I needed heat with my Strut Pro to get the old bearing out.
When replacing the new one, get a bar of ivory and glob it on the outside of the bearing. Then on the ID of the strut, lube it up with some dish soap.
Trust me, I destroyed one bearing trying to press it dry. The second one purchased, (ouch) slid in like butter with the soap. I can't recall if it was Stu or Maine Sail who shared that trick, but it is a good one. No heat going in, you don't want to accidentally burn the bearing surface.
When replacing the new one, get a bar of ivory and glob it on the outside of the bearing. Then on the ID of the strut, lube it up with some dish soap.
Trust me, I destroyed one bearing trying to press it dry. The second one purchased, (ouch) slid in like butter with the soap. I can't recall if it was Stu or Maine Sail who shared that trick, but it is a good one. No heat going in, you don't want to accidentally burn the bearing surface.
Done a lot of these over the years. Easiest way is to push the old bushing in and then cut it off the shaft with a angle grinder. Then push the new one in behind it. Best not to use the ones with a brass outer shell as they "grow" to the strut over time.