Cutless Bearing Replacement

submitted by Steve Kaminsky, owner of Nanny

Note:  Steve had removed his prop shaft for other reasons.  "Mainsheet" issues have shown methods of pressing the bearing out while installed on the shaft.

Removal of old bearing (not shown in photos):

Using a hacksaw blade, (disassemble hacksaw and then insert blade into the bearing with the cutting teeth pointed downward, then reassembled the hacksaw "upside down") carefully cut through the old cutless bearing, making sure not to accidentally cut into the bearing strut itself.

Once this is accomplished, take a nail punch and hammer and carefully bend the newly created cut edges up toward the center of the bearing (doing this loosens the bearing slightly and provides a surface to which you can attach pliers to pull the bearing out). Spray copious amounts of penetrating oil into the bearing and work the bearing out.

Installation of new bearing: 

Place new bearing in the freezer over night, this makes the bearing material contract slightly making it easier to install. Note: In my case the bearing size should have been 1" x 1.25" x 3.5", I could not get 3.5" length, so I ended up trimming 0.5" off, as will be shown in photos.

Photo #1 Shows bearing strut with old bearing already removed.

Photo #2 Shows bearing "on ice" waiting for installation.

Photo #3 Shows the placement of 1 inch threaded rod with washer and nut through strut. (Prior to insertion into strut, lubricate threaded rod with dish soap. See warning below!)

Photo #4 Shows initial bearing positioning on rod.

Photo # 5 Shows re-icing of bearing just before pressure is applied. (Once ice pack is removed, coat the outside of the bearing with dish soap. Warning!! Use only dish soap for lubrication! Using oil or other petroleum products may damaged bearing material.) Using two wrenches press new bearing into place.

Photo #6 Shows complete insertion of bearing into strut. (In this case the bearing was 1/2 inch too long.)

Photo #7 Shows rough trim of 0.5" off of bearing. (I used my Sawsall.)

Photo #8 Shows finish trim after using hand sander.

Photo #9 Shows polished strut in preparation for barrier coating.

Photos #10, #11, #12, #13, and #14 Show minor repair of fiberglass surrounding strut and masking off of strut and bearing, and final barrier coating of area.