[xduper]

I am in the process of replacing my prop shaft and cutless bearing on my Catalina 30. The problem I''ve found is with the strut. I can''t seem to get the cutless bearing out. I even went in with a hacksaw like my local expert recommended. I also noticed there is a little bit of electrolysis on the front and rear of the strut which makes it very soft so I''m afraid I might bugger it up a little. The soft bronze doesn''t seem to extend more than 1/8 inch into the tube. Does anyone have some advice on getting the bearing out without damaging the strut? Can you heat it up maybe? Thanks.

[walt123]

your local expert is right the bearing has to be cut if you don''t have a puller for your size bearing. I suggest that you have two cuts about 1" apart.They do need to extend completely through the bearing..you are right great care must be exercised in the cutting. After the 2nd cut take a chisel and hit the cut piece towards the center and then use vice grips to twist that piece out. Use the chisel to then bend up one of the remaining edges and twist out the rest of the brearing. Make sure that there are no set screws that you have not removed.
Good luck

[walt123]