Replacing Cutlass Bearing

[Jeff]

Where can I get one of these and how do I replace it. I looked underneath and saw to allen heads at the bearing and the 4 screws holding the entire frame to the hull. Do I have to remove the bracket from the boat? thanks

 

[Rick]

Just did it.

Jeff,I just replaced the cutless bearing on my O'day 25 (did not remove the bracket). You can get the bearings from Rudy At D & R Marine, 508-644-3001, for about $50.00. You'll need to measure the inside diameter of the strut and the length plus the O.D. of your shaft. I made a "jig" to pull the bearing from the strut. The jig is tough to explain, here goes: It consists of threaded rod, nuts on each end, a peice of pipe slightly larger(I.D.)than the cutless bearing, various size washers so the nut doesn't slip through the pipe. Then, find a round object slightly smaller than the O.D. of the cutless bearing(maybe a large nut or similar object) that can be tightened on the threaded rod with the nuts on each end which will in turn push the bearing out from the strut and into the pipe on the other side. I did have to cut through the cutless bearing with a hacksaw to free it up a bit. Be sure to take out the set screws first.To put the new bearing into the strut, I put the bearing in my freezer overnight and packed it on ice to shrink it as much as possible. I then put a small space heater right in front of the strut and let it slowly warm the strut to expand it. I coated the inside of the strut w/ anti-seize and quickly took the bearing from the ice and pressed it into the strut using my "jig" again. Worked like a dream!!Best of luck to youRick

 

[Paul Palmer]

Cutlass bearing

Just replaced mine this week and did it exactly the same as Rick. It worked like a charm. Only I only left the bearing in the freezer for about 30 minutes and did not heat the strut or use any lubricant. My bearing came from West Marine and had instructions not to cool below -20 and to not pack in dry ice. Good luck,Paul