J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Cutlass Bearing

Hopw can you tell if a Cutlass Bearing needs to be replaced ?

The shaft should have no play side to side in the cutlass bearing. Just grab the prop and if it moves side to side then you need a new on. Makes a big difference if it is worn. I replaced mine last spring.

David
#397

David - how easy was it to remove the old bearing from the strut? I see a set screw but I've heard you may need a torch to heat up the strut to remove the old bearing. Did you need any special bearing puller tools?

I've got the shaft and Yanmar pulled to rebuild the engine and refurbish the prop this winter. Something to pass the time in my basement while waiting for spring. I've replaced the shaft seal and should probably replace the cutlass bearing while everything is apart.

Bill
#348

Bill -

Mine was a breeze to get out. It took the set screw out and then took a medium size nail punch and slowly tapped around the collar of the bearing to work it out enough so I could grab it with some pliers to pull the rest of the way out. It came right out. I think who ever replaced it last did a good job with the lanakote because it had a nice layer of grease on the collar so it came right out.

The other solutions I have heard are taking a socket the same size as the collar and tapping with that. Gear pullers and other exotic contraptions. I hope yours is as easy as mine.

David
#397

I'm considering replacing the cutlass bearing on our 1983 #452- what is the specification? We have a 1" shaft and it seems the OD of the bearing is 1.25" and 3" long - is that just a cut down standard 4" bearing?

I have 3/4 inch shaft but mine bearing was not cut down. They come in the exact sizes so get it out and measure it.

David
#397

Yo Dave... if I send you bits wanna work on them during the cold snowy winter? Or maybe you should consider Spirit Airlines straight to St Thomas?????

To remove the cutlass bearing, I used a reciplicating saw with a hacksaw blade and cut the old bearing out in two to three places after removing the set screw.
To install the new cutlass bearing, purchase a length of threaded shaft at any Lowes or hardware store. The nuts for the threaded shaft are sufficent for the job, but the washers you use should be the diamiter of your cutlass bearing and the diamiter of your strut, simply tighten the nuts till it pulls the new bearing in place. It is important not to beat on your strut, since it is only strewed to fiberglass by four strews.

it looks that I also have to replace the cutlass bearing.
Before we get to tapping the old bearing out, what do we have to remove?
the shaft? or will the prop just do?

yes you do need to take the shaft out.... which is by the way much easier than to take the prop off....lol
just go inside and find the square nuts with the safety wire .... loosen both and voila somebody can pull it right out

Thor