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Why Does My Gimbal or Drive Growl?

Funny sounds coming from the transom or sterndrive is not a good thing.
Immediate attention must be given before more damage occurs.
It will NOT fix itself.

If your sound is a "growl" which gets louder as you turn from one side to the other, chances are good you have a failing gimbal bearing.

Gimbal Bearings fail for a reason.
Usually the reason a bearing fails is because of water intrusion.
The bearing needs to be kept' greased and away from moisture.
The Ujoint Bellows keeps water away from the gimbal bearing.
If the Ujoint Bellows leaks, water will ruin the gimbal bearing.

So.... if you are hearing your gimbal bearing growl, it is an indication of other problems.
Simply pumping grease into the zirt fitting on the stb. side of the gimbal will not fix the problem.
Usually the water that has leaked into the bellows is destroying not only the gimbal bearing but the ujoints and sterndrive as well.

This is why immediate action must be taken.
Failure to remove the drive and address the problem could lead to thousands of dollars worth of more damage.

Even if you don't use the boat.... more damage will occur from sitting.
Rust and corrosion will set in and ruin the gimbal, bell housing and drive.

Read More about your Gimbal Bearing at:
Gimbal Bearings
Alpha One Bellows and Gimbal Bearing
Alpha One Gen II Bellows and Gimbal Bearing
Bravo Bellows and Gimbal Bearing
Sterndrive-Information
Change your Alpha Gear Lube
Change your Bravo Gear Lube
Why does my drive lube have white streaks?
Why does my drive lube have gray mush?
Replace Your Alpha One Water Pump
Replace your Alpha Gen II Water Pump
Rebuild your Bravo Raw Water Pump

Troubleshoot & Replace your Alpha Shift Cable
Troubleshoot & Replace your Bravo Shift Cable

Replace your Alpha One Bellows & Gimbal Bearing
Replace your Alpha Gen II Bellows & Gimbal bearing
Replace your Bravo Bellows & Gimbal Bearing
Why does my drive "Growl" when I turn?
Water is leaking into my boat from the transom

Replacing your Trim Sender Switches
My Trim doesn't work but my Trailer Switch does
My Trim Gauge is Pegged

Rebuild your Alpha One Upper Driveshaft Housing Assembly
Rebuild your Alpha One Lower Gear Housing Assembly

Check your Engine Alignment
Check for Excessive Steering Play
Troubleshoot an Overheating Problem
Should I remove my thermostat?
Why do I overheat when going fast?
Troubleshoot a No-Crank Condition
Troubleshoot a No-Start Condition
My Engine Backfires and/or Surges and has Lack of Power
What is an Anti-Syphon Valve?
My Engine blows Steam from the Exhaust
Why do I hear a "clakity" sound while at idle?
Exhaust Manifolds...IMPORTANT Information
How do I Winterize my engine?

What is Galvanic Corrosion?
I have a Bravo III Galvanic Corrosion Problem
What is a Mercathode?
All about Zinc Anodes
How do I check my carburetor?
What carburetor do I have? A Rochester or a Mercarb?
I have water in my fuel
My fuel smells like varnish
My fuel is old
My engine has been sitting for several months without being run.

I have a Mercruiser 470, 485, 488, 190, 3.7L Engine
I have coolant dripping from the front of my engine
Can I install a regular Alternator instead of the Stator-Rotor?

Converting an OMC to a Mercruiser


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