Quicksilver Bearing Carrier Key 30281 | Mercury MerCruiser OEM Gearcase
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Part Details
- Part Number: 30281 | OEM Service Number: 28-30281
- Supersedes: No known previous number — 30281 is the current active OEM reference
- Replaced By: No further supersession identified
- Brand: Quicksilver / Mercury Marine (Genuine OEM)
- Official Product Type: Bearing Carrier Key
- System: Lower Unit / Gearcase — Bearing Carrier Assembly
- Diagram Position: Locates and retains the bearing carrier within the gear housing; appears in the bearing carrier and lower-unit assembly diagram for your specific gearcase
- GTIN / UPC: 745061133983
- Weight (approx.): 0.2 oz / ~6 g
What This Part Does
The bearing carrier key is a small precision component that locates and locks the bearing carrier in its correct position inside the gear housing. Without it, the carrier can rotate or shift under load, which affects lower-unit alignment and can accelerate wear on surrounding bearings, seals, and gears. This is the exact OEM part specified in the Mercury parts diagram — not a generic key-stock substitute.
Compatible Applications
This key appears across a wide range of Mercury and MerCruiser gearcase assemblies. Always verify by the current Mercury parts diagram and your engine or drive serial number before ordering.
- Mercury and Mariner outboards — select models approximately 35–225 HP
- Mercury high-performance gearcase families — XR, Pro Max / Super Mag, XS
- MerCruiser sterndrive gearcases — Alpha One (Gen I & II), Bravo, TR/TRS, SSM
- Selected additional Mercury lower-unit configurations — confirm by diagram
Serial Number & Fitment Notice
Because this key appears across many different gearcase layouts, always verify against the Mercury parts diagram for your specific engine model, drive, and serial number before ordering. A small difference in key dimensions or location within the carrier assembly can affect how the carrier seats in the housing. Do not substitute with generic key stock.
Cross-Reference Part Numbers
- Mercury / Quicksilver: 30281 / 28-30281 (OEM)
- Sierra: REC28-30281
- GLM: 11080
When This Part Needs Replacement
Replace the bearing carrier key whenever:
- The bearing carrier is removed for any reason
- The key shows corrosion, wear, or damage
- The key fits loosely in the keyway
- Lower-unit service involves removal of the carrier for seal, bearing, or gearcase repair
Inspect the keyway in the gear housing at the same time — a worn keyway will not hold a new key securely.
Installation Notes
- Confirm the correct bearing carrier assembly and gearcase diagram for your engine or drive before installation
- The key must seat fully and correctly in the carrier keyway to maintain proper alignment
- Inspect the gear housing keyway for wear or damage before fitting the new key
- Inspect related retaining hardware, seals, and O-rings during the same service
- Refer to the Mercury service manual for your specific gearcase assembly procedure and torque specifications
Related Parts
- Mercury MerCruiser Alpha One Gen II Bearing Carrier Assembly 14587A7 — bearing carrier this key locates
- Mercury MerCruiser Quicksilver Bearing Carrier O-Ring 29976 — sealing O-ring for the bearing carrier
- Mercury MerCruiser Quicksilver Bearing Carrier Seal 8M0204670 — carrier seal; replace during bearing carrier service
- Mercury Quicksilver Lower Unit Seal Kit 26-33144A2 — complete seal kit for MerCruiser Alpha One Gen I gearcases
- Mercury Quicksilver Driveshaft Oil Seal 26-804156 — driveshaft oil seal; commonly serviced alongside bearing carrier work
- Quicksilver Needle Roller Bearing 30956T — related lower-unit bearing
- Browse all Fasteners & Mounting Hardware
Parts Desk Insights
Best use case: This is the correct OEM replacement whenever the bearing carrier is being removed for any lower-unit or sterndrive service. It is an inexpensive part that is easy to overlook — but skipping it or reusing a worn key can compromise how the carrier seats and holds position under load. Best practice is to replace it any time the carrier comes out, regardless of how the old key looks.
Common issue: The most frequent mistake is treating this as generic key stock and substituting a hardware-store equivalent. On Mercury and MerCruiser lower units, the OEM key is specified for a reason — dimensions and fit matter for how the carrier locks in the housing. Also check the keyway in the gear housing itself: if it is worn or damaged, a new key will not seat or hold correctly, and the carrier will continue to move.
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.