Quicksilver Cotter Pin 26953 | Mercury MerCruiser OEM Fastener
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Quicksilver OEM Cotter Pin — Part No. 26953
- Part Number: 26953
- Brand: Quicksilver (Genuine Mercury Marine OEM)
- Type: Cotter Pin (single-use safety fastener)
- System: Hardware / Fasteners — engine and drive assemblies
- Application: Mercury outboard and MerCruiser sterndrive assemblies where the parts diagram specifies 26953
What This Part Does
Cotter pins are single-use safety fasteners that lock clevis pins, castle nuts, and other hardware in place — preventing loosening under vibration and load. This genuine OEM part is manufactured to Mercury Marine specifications for reliable fit and retention in the specific assembly it supports.
Important: Cotter pin diameter and leg length are critical to proper retention and are not interchangeable across sizes. Always match by part number from the Mercury parts diagram for your specific engine or drive serial — do not substitute by appearance alone.
Compatible Applications
- Mercury outboard engine and drive assemblies where the parts diagram specifies 26953
- MerCruiser sterndrive assemblies where the parts diagram specifies 26953
- Steering linkages, throttle and shift connections, and control hardware (confirm by diagram)
- Any Mercury or MerCruiser assembly where the fastener stack calls for this part number
Confirm the exact diagram position using your engine or drive serial number before ordering.
When to Replace
- Any time a pinned assembly is disassembled — cotter pins are single-use and must not be reused
- Pin is bent, corroded, deformed, or missing
- Assembly is being serviced and the service manual specifies hardware renewal
Installation Notes
- Confirm the exact diagram position before fitting — do not install by appearance or size alone
- Insert the new pin fully through the hole and bend the legs to secure in place per the service manual
- Never reuse a cotter pin that has been previously bent — always fit a new OEM pin
- Keep a few spares aboard for field repairs on control and steering hardware
Related Products
- Mercury Quicksilver Cotter Pin 18-54929 | Gimbal Ring & Lower Swivel Pin Retainer — Alpha One Gen II & Bravo
- Mercury MerCruiser Quicksilver Cotter Pin 34212 | Superseded to 54929
- Fasteners & Mounting Hardware
- Mercury MerCruiser Engine Maintenance Parts
Parts Desk Insights
Cotter pins are a one-time-use part — replace them any time a pinned assembly is disassembled, even if the old pin looks intact. This is especially important on steering linkages, throttle and shift connections, and trim cylinder anchor points, where a failed pin can lead to loss of control. The most common ordering issue is selecting by appearance rather than part number: pin diameter and leg length are specific, and the wrong size will not retain properly. Order by the number in your Mercury diagram and keep a few spares on board.
Shipping information
In-stock and OEM parts: ship same or next business day.
Locally warehoused items: ship within 1-3 business days.
Special-order items: timeline confirmed after order.
Returns & warranty
Returns & Satisfaction Guarantee
We stand firmly behind the quality of every product we sell. Your confidence matters to us — and we back it with a straightforward 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.
If you are not fully satisfied, you may request a return within 30 days of delivery. All returns must receive pre-approval prior to being sent back. Unauthorized returns will not be accepted.
To qualify for a return:
Item must be in new, unused condition
Product must be in its original packaging
All parts, components, hardware, manuals, and accessories must be included
Packaging must be undamaged and suitable for resale
Important:
Electronics are strictly inspected. No returns on open-box electronics. Exceptions may apply only with prior written approval. Any electronic unit that has been installed, powered, activated, or altered may not be eligible for return.
We are serious about product integrity — and equally serious about taking care of our customers. If there is ever a product issue, contact us immediately so we can make it right.
For return authorization, please contact our support team before shipping anything back.