Helpful Hints for Replacing a Cutlass Bearing
The bearing found on a vessel’s drive shaft log that is made with brass and a rubber lining that is grooved from the inside and which is lubricated by the water around that enters the grooves on rotation is what is termed as cutlass bearing, this.
It does not matter the number of times that you use your boat, but you must at some point change the cutlass bearing. As soon as you realize it is time to make the cutlass bearing change you may find it hidden in the woodwork of the boat or some distance away from the keel.
Fortunately apart from getting your hands dirty, removing the cutlass bearing is not tricky. Keep reading this article to know how to replace a cutlass bearing, now.
The first thing you should do is to locate the set screws and remove them. The area where you will find the layer of crud and marine is where the set screws are hidden in most cases. Always remember that set screws are not used by all boat manufacturers. If you notice your boat does not have the set screws then do not waste any more time looking for them.
Of course you will have to cut the bearing. In the absence of a Sawzall, you can use a hacksaw to cut the cutlass bearing. You must have enough knowledge of how to use the Sawzall tool from Propeller Depot.
Bending the cutlass bearing is the next step. You can bend the cutlass bearing to the inner side using a cold chisel and a hammer so that you reach the other side where you have made a cut. Avoid using a lot of force when hitting the cutlass bearing so that it can bend. When you forcefully bend the cutlass bearing, you risk damaging the strut of the boat.
Put a maple dowel where you have created a space by bending the boat’s cutlass bearing inside and with a hammer slit it opens up to the other end. Avoid using any tool made of metal to split the cutlass bearing on its length. By so doing you may damage the strut’s inside.
Lastly, you can now remove the cutlass bearing. To remove the cutlass bearing use a pair of pliers to hold. Install a new cutlass bearing after you clean the strut’s surface. Now that you have removed the old cutlass bearing, and you have cleaned the strut’s office and are ready to insert a new bearing purchased from Propeller Depot all the while making sure the bearing enters the acme props in a straight line.
If the ramrod strut is not straight and if it is forced it may get damaged. So that the ramrod of the strut can go in straight use some grease on the cutlass bearing to help it to slide in easily.