Mercury MerCruiser Bearing Assembly 35988A3
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The Mercury MerCruiser Quicksilver 35988A3 Bearing Assembly is a tapered roller bearing set used in select MerCruiser sterndrive gear housing applications. It is associated with older R, MR, MC-I, Alpha One, Alpha One SS, and SSM-series outdrives, with fitment tied closely to drive model and gear ratio.
Key Features
- Genuine Mercury Marine / Quicksilver bearing assembly
- Part number: 35988A3
- Type: tapered roller bearing set
- UPC / GTIN: 745061138803
- Approximate weight: 3.60 lb
- Used in select MerCruiser sterndrive gear housing / bearing service applications
- Gear-ratio-specific fitment on many older drive families
Product Compatibility
Supported fitment includes:
- MerCruiser R, MR, MC-I, and Alpha One outdrives with 1.32 gear ratio
- Vintage 225-S 1974 outdrive with 1.32 ratio
- Vintage 233 1975–1977 outdrives with 1.32 ratio
- 1977 898 with 1.50 ratio
- 1977 1228 with 1.50 ratio
- 1977 1250 with 1.32 ratio
- Alpha One SS 1986–1989
- SSM II, III, IV, and V high-performance models 1982–1995
Fitment Notice
Confirm fitment using the exact MerCruiser drive model, serial number, gear ratio, and gear housing diagram before ordering. This bearing assembly is not a universal Alpha bearing; several applications depend specifically on the 1.32 or 1.50 ratio configuration.
When This Part Needs Replacement
Replace this bearing assembly during gear housing rebuilds, bearing noise diagnosis, gearset service, water intrusion repair, or whenever the existing tapered roller bearing shows pitting, scoring, heat discoloration, looseness, roughness, or contamination.
Installation Notes
Bearing setup should be performed according to the MerCruiser service manual. Tapered roller bearing service often requires correct shim selection, preload/backlash checks, and inspection of the related gear, race, carrier, and housing surfaces before final assembly.
Alternate/Superseded Part Numbers
- 35988A3
- UPC / GTIN: 745061138803
Parts Desk Insight
The key detail with 35988A3 is the gear-ratio dependency. It may appear across several older MerCruiser drive families, but the safe match is the exact drive model plus ratio, not just the name “Alpha One” or “bearing assembly.”
Shipping: Ships same or next day for fast Canada wide shipping. ⚓
Shipping information
In-stock and OEM parts: ship same or next business day.
Locally warehoused items: ship within 3–4 business days.
Special-order items: timeline confirmed after order.
Returns & warranty
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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.
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