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Mercury MerCruiser Gimbal Bearing Kit 879194A02 | Alpha One Sterndrive

Original price $191.61 - Original price $191.61
Original price
$191.61
$191.61 - $191.61
Current price $191.61
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Mercury MerCruiser Gimbal Bearing Kit 879194A02

Part Number: 879194A02
Brand: Mercury / MerCruiser / Quicksilver
Official Product Type: Gimbal Bearing Kit β€” Complete OEM Replacement
Supersedes / Related: 879194A01 (earlier revision β€” confirm which suffix applies to your drive via the Mercury parts diagram)
System: Sterndrive Transom Assembly / Gimbal Housing
Diagram Position: Gimbal housing / transom plate assembly β€” 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 β€” making it one of the most important service items in a sterndrive transom assembly.

The A02 suffix indicates a revised or updated version of the gimbal bearing kit. Always confirm the correct suffix (A01 vs. A02) against your drive’s serial number and the current Mercury parts diagram before ordering.

Compatible Applications

  • Mercury MerCruiser Alpha One sterndrive transom assemblies β€” verify by drive serial number and Mercury parts diagram
  • Confirm part number 879194A02 (not A01) 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. The A01 and A02 suffixes are not interchangeable β€” always verify the correct revision against the Mercury parts diagram for your exact drive.

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 β€” supports and aligns the driveshaft through the transom
  • Housing location: Inside the gimbal housing / transom plate assembly
  • Drive type: Sterndrive (inboard/outboard)
  • Revision: A02 β€” updated version; confirm against your drive’s serial number
  • OEM status: Genuine Mercury MerCruiser β€” not aftermarket

Service Interval & When to Replace

  • Inspect annually or at every bellows service β€” 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

  1. The sterndrive must be removed to access the gimbal housing and bearing.
  2. Use the correct Mercury gimbal bearing installation tool β€” improper installation can damage the bearing or housing.
  3. Inspect the gimbal housing for wear, corrosion, or damage before installing the new bearing.
  4. Replace bellows at the same time if they are due for service β€” the assembly is already disassembled.
  5. Torque all fasteners to Mercury service manual specifications and verify drive alignment after reassembly.

Technical FAQ

Q: What is the difference between 879194A01 and 879194A02?
A: The A02 suffix indicates a revised version of the kit. The specific changes between revisions are documented in the Mercury parts supersession records. Always confirm which suffix is current for your drive’s serial number using the Mercury parts diagram β€” do not assume either suffix is a direct drop-in for the other without verification.

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: 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 MerCruiser Alpha One transom service where the Mercury parts diagram specifically calls for the A02 suffix. It is most commonly ordered alongside a bellows kit, since both are serviced at the same time during a transom inspection. If you are unsure whether your drive requires A01 or A02, confirm by serial number before ordering.

Common mistakes: The most frequent error is ordering A01 when the drive requires A02, or vice versa β€” the suffix matters and the kits are not always interchangeable. Always verify the correct revision against the Mercury parts diagram for your serial number. A second common mistake is skipping the gimbal bearing during a bellows replacement to save time, only to have the bearing fail shortly after and require the entire job to be repeated.

Related Parts

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

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We stand firmly behind the quality of every product we sell. Your confidence matters to us β€” 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:

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