New cutlass bearing and shaft movement

[Tanley]

With a brand new cutlass bearing, should there be slight movement of the shaft within the bearing or should it be completely tight?

[amarinesurveyor]

I should be tight if it's the correct size for the shaft.
Brian

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by Tanley

With a brand new cutlass bearing, should there be slight movement of the shaft within the bearing or should it be completely tight?

Should be no slop.

[Pub911]

Agree with above, and a brand new one should also dampen the free spin of the prop a bit....like you shouldn't be able to get more than a full turn of of it with a good effort by hand (tranny in nutral, obviously)

[eMKay]

How much slop is too much? Wondering if I should replace mine now.

[Pub911]

There's probably a standard/spec to it...i'm not a certified engineer. I'm a practical sailor...ahem.

But if your prop shaft is wobbling between the bearing and the tranny, or it's making a sound like it's knocking inside the shaft log, one reason may be the bearing.

Personally, it's a cheap part. If you see a gap between the shaft and the rubber fins of the bearing, I'd change it.

Doing so is easy if you know a few tricks. With a little ingenuity, a piece of threaded rod, some appropriately sized washes and socket(from a socket wrench set) you can make a puller that will suck it straight out of your shaft log.

I realize that leaves some details on the table. Write back if you want more info.

[eMKay]

Originally Posted by Pub911

There's probably a standard/spec to it...i'm not a certified engineer. I'm a practical sailor...ahem.

But if your prop shaft is wobbling between the bearing and the tranny, or it's making a sound like it's knocking inside the shaft log, one reason may be the bearing.

Personally, it's a cheap part. If you see a gap between the shaft and the rubber fins of the bearing, I'd change it.

Doing so is easy if you know a few tricks. With a little ingenuity, a piece of threaded rod, some appropriately sized washes and socket(from a socket wrench set) you can make a puller that will suck it straight out of your shaft log.

I realize that leaves some details on the table. Write back if you want more info.

I'll be removing the shaft since I want to redo the seal anyway, making it easy.

[Tanley]

It's probably moving 1/16th total (1/32 on each side). Kind of upset as we had the yard install it and there are a couple of other projects we still need done before launch. I want it right but don't want to piss off the yard.

[tommays]

How much wear is in your prop shaft ?

If there is some it should have been brought to your attention BUT my not have been

[Bazzer]

Originally Posted by Tanley

With a brand new cutlass bearing, should there be slight movement of the shaft within the bearing or should it be completely tight?

Remember the Cutlass Bearing is water lubed, so to tight a fit will result in overheating and a burning bearing. I would check the size of the shaft with a micrometer if you have it out and the Cutlass bearing, I am guessing but the bearing should be no more larger than a thou or two than the shaft. If I had the boat out and could feel any "play" I would be inclined to change the bearing........
Baz