Mercury MerCruiser Gimbal Bearing Kit 879194A01 | Alpha One Sterndrive
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Mercury MerCruiser Gimbal Bearing Kit 879194A01
Part Number: 879194A01
Brand: Mercury / MerCruiser / Quicksilver
Official Product Type: Gimbal Bearing Kit — Complete OEM Replacement
System: Sterndrive Transom Assembly / Gimbal Housing
Diagram Position: Gimbal housing / transom plate assembly — confirm exact position in the Mercury parts diagram for your drive model and serial number
A genuine OEM Mercury MerCruiser gimbal bearing kit for applicable Alpha One sterndrive transom assemblies. The gimbal bearing supports the driveshaft and allows the sterndrive to pivot freely for steering and trim while maintaining proper alignment between the engine and the drive unit. A worn or failed gimbal bearing causes vibration, steering slop, driveshaft misalignment, and accelerated bellows wear — making it one of the most important service items in a sterndrive transom assembly.
Compatible Applications
- Mercury MerCruiser Alpha One sterndrive transom assemblies — verify by drive serial number and Mercury parts diagram
- Confirm part number 879194A01 in the Mercury parts catalog against your specific drive model and production serial range before ordering
Gimbal bearing fitment is serial-number and production-range specific. Always verify against the Mercury parts diagram for your exact drive before ordering.
Kit Contents
- Gimbal bearing assembly and all components required for a complete OEM replacement
- Refer to the Mercury parts diagram for a full kit contents breakdown specific to your drive
Part Details
- Component: Gimbal bearing — supports and aligns the driveshaft through the transom
- Housing location: Inside the gimbal housing / transom plate assembly
- Drive type: Sterndrive (inboard/outboard)
- OEM status: Genuine Mercury MerCruiser — not aftermarket
Service Interval & When to Replace
- Inspect annually or at every bellows service — the gimbal bearing is accessed during bellows replacement and should be evaluated at the same time
- Replace when bearing shows roughness, play, corrosion, or noise during rotation
- Replace any time the transom assembly is disassembled for major service
- A failed gimbal bearing accelerates bellows wear and can cause driveshaft damage if left unaddressed
Installation Notes
- The sterndrive must be removed to access the gimbal housing and bearing.
- Use the correct Mercury gimbal bearing installation tool — improper installation can damage the bearing or housing.
- Inspect the gimbal housing for wear, corrosion, or damage before installing the new bearing.
- Replace bellows at the same time if they are due for service — the assembly is already disassembled.
- Torque all fasteners to Mercury service manual specifications and verify drive alignment after reassembly.
Technical FAQ
Q: How do I know if my gimbal bearing needs replacement?
A: Common signs include vibration at the helm, roughness or grinding when rotating the drive by hand, excessive steering play, or visible corrosion on the bearing. Inspect it whenever the bellows are replaced.
Q: Can I replace just the bearing without replacing the bellows?
A: Technically yes, but since the assembly must be disassembled to access the bearing, it is strongly recommended to replace the bellows at the same time to avoid repeating the labour.
Q: Do I need a special tool to install this bearing?
A: Yes. Mercury specifies a dedicated gimbal bearing installation tool. Driving the bearing in without the correct tool risks damaging the bearing race or the gimbal housing.
Parts Desk Insights
Best use case: This kit is the right choice for any MerCruiser Alpha One transom service where the gimbal bearing has been confirmed as worn or is being replaced as part of a scheduled transom overhaul. It is most commonly ordered alongside a bellows kit, since both are serviced at the same time during a transom inspection.
Common mistakes: The most frequent error is skipping the gimbal bearing during a bellows replacement to save time — only to have the bearing fail shortly after, requiring the entire job to be repeated. If the transom is already apart, the bearing should always be inspected and replaced if there is any doubt. A second common mistake is attempting to install the bearing without the correct installation tool, which can damage the housing and turn a straightforward service into a costly repair.
Related Parts
- Gimbal Bearing MerCruiser / Volvo Penta 47-21001
- Mercury MerCruiser Gimbal Housing Bushing Kit 805041A2
- Mercury MerCruiser Gimbal Housing Washer 21900
- Mercury MerCruiser Gimbal Housing Lock Nut 11-34087
- Mercury MerCruiser Bellows Assembly 8M0062406
- Mercury MerCruiser Bellows Assembly 816431A1
- Mercury MerCruiser Sterndrive Transom Seal 455771
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.
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