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Old 06-01-2025, 07:26   #1
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When is a cutlass bearing bad?

Hey all.

How do you know when your cutlass bearing is dead?
Do you hear / feel something?

When on the hard a month ago, I inspected it. No play. Looked ok, but car you really tell?

Thanks
Trevor
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Old 06-01-2025, 07:39   #2
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Re: When is a cutlass bearing bad?

You need to measure the clearance.

You would feel a vibration if too much clearance.

Attached was supplied by my cutlass supplier. Although I think it is far too lenient. For example, I would replace my 100mm shaft at anything over 1.5. As it will probably not last the 2 years till next haul out.
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Old 06-01-2025, 07:41   #3
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Re: When is a cutlass bearing bad?

Measuring the clearance is tricky. You need to apply just the right amount of pressure but not so much as to squash the rubber or bend a thin shaft, so be cautious if using a lever to do this.
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Old 06-01-2025, 07:42   #4
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Re: When is a cutlass bearing bad?

No play is the important part. You also want to inspect for a torn or degraded lining and insure the set screws, if utilized, are present and tight. If the boat is new to you or has been on the hard for several years it may behoove you to replace now as a preventative maintenance measure.
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Old 16-01-2025, 22:45   #5
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Re: When is a cutlass bearing bad?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Orion Jim View Post
insure the set screws, if utilized, are present and tight.
"Tight" takes a measure of caution.
On small bearings those thin shells can be easily distorted if someone "winches down" with the hex wrench.
After I've installed a bearing, I like to take a drill bit that just slides thru the threaded set screw hole and make a shallow divot, turning the bit by hand, (a large T-handle tap wrench works,) and a sharp bit takes very little pressure.
Then carefully feel when the set screw just touches the bottom of the divot and then give it a tiny "tweak", maybe a 1/16th of a turn.
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