Gimbal bearing replacement

[arrowdog]

I have a 2003 Glastron with a 4.3L V6 and a Volvo Penta outdrive. When I started the boat up for the year I heard a bearing/growling noise from the rear of the engine. I took it into the dealer (Wilson marine in Brighton) and after almost 2 weeks they finally called me and told me that the gimbal bearing was bad due to one small pinhole in the bellows. I suspected the gimbal bearing as well whenm I heard it. I took it in to them because I have an extended warranty and I figured it would be worth a shot to see if it was cocered. They said no, because bellows aren't covered under warranty. Wilson gave me an estimate of $1459.55 to do the work. This sounds extremely high to me. I have no doubt that I can do the work myself (I am an ASE master car mechanic). I was just wondering if any one else had this same work done and if this estimate sounded way too high.
Thanks

[SalmonBum]

Bellows are not an easy thing to do. I'm half-OK with a wrench, and I won't do them. But that price is very high. Bellows should be about $400-500 installed and the Gumball bearing around $150 installed. Bearing is pretty simple. Call Tony @ Lapeer Boat service (810) 245-6038. Tell him Bill sent ya. He may be a bit far for you to drive, but at least get a quote.

[FishTales]

I have a 1986 Crestliner / 4.3 ltr and had mine done last year.
New gimbal bearing, line up engine, all new bellows, total cost

$ 216 for the whole job, parts and labor. :D

Rich

[Damark Marine]

I have a 2003 Glastron with a 4.3L V6 and a Volvo Penta outdrive. When I started the boat up for the year I heard a bearing/growling noise from the rear of the engine. I took it into the dealer (Wilson marine in Brighton) and after almost 2 weeks they finally called me and told me that the gimbal bearing was bad due to one small pinhole in the bellows. I suspected the gimbal bearing as well whenm I heard it. I took it in to them because I have an extended warranty and I figured it would be worth a shot to see if it was cocered. They said no, because bellows aren't covered under warranty. Wilson gave me an estimate of $1459.55 to do the work. This sounds extremely high to me. I have no doubt that I can do the work myself (I am an ASE master car mechanic). I was just wondering if any one else had this same work done and if this estimate sounded way too high.
Thanks


sending pm

[FERG 06]

I have a 1986 Crestliner / 4.3 ltr and had mine done last year.
New gimbal bearing, line up engine, all new bellows, total cost

$ 216 for the whole job, parts and labor. :D

Rich

Man where did you get that price? I bought the kit online and it cost $87 included bearing, exhaust & drive bellows, shift boot, all the clamps water tube. That was the best price I coulkd find. West marine wanted $150.
Best labor price I could get downriver was about $300 to install.
Heck next time I'll drive across the state for that price!

Just noticed it's a Volvo. Maybe that one cost more???

[Priority1]

I never worked on the Volvo before but I did the bellows and gimbal bearing on my Mercruiser. No doubt it took me longer than a pro, but I like to know as much as I can about my boat. There is a ton of information on line. The $1500 seemed high to me.:)

[arrowdog]

I went out there and picked the boat up today. I didn't have them do any work. On the estimate it said it needs the gimbal bearing and bellows, and also the u-joint shaft. The u-joint shaft is serviced as an assembly by Volvo and is a nearly $400 dollar part, plus they wanted to charge me an additional 4 hours of labor to replace it. The u-joints are not bad at all. Some hack mechanic trying to rip me off. I told the guys at Wilson Marine where I had it that I would never be back and that I would tell everyone I knew about my horrible experience with them. I will probably be doing the job myself when I get a little time and mone, which are both very tight right now. Thanks for all of your replies. I appreciate the input.