Mercury MerCruiser Gimbal Ring Sleeve / Spacer 23-39273

The Mercury MerCruiser 23-39273 is a genuine OEM sleeve/spacer used in the gimbal ring assembly on earlier MerCruiser sterndrive and transom assemblies. This small but critical component maintains correct positioning of the gimbal ring within the steering and transom system on drives equipped with the older-style roller gimbal ring bearing arrangement. One sleeve is typically required per assembly.

Compatible Applications

• MerCruiser 120 and 140
• MerCruiser 160
• MerCruiser 165
• MerCruiser 225-S
• MerCruiser 228
• MerCruiser 233
• MerCruiser 250
• MerCruiser 260
• MerCruiser 470 and 485
• MerCruiser 888 and 898
• MerCruiser 898 / 228
• MerCruiser IA / IB / IC E-Z Shift
• R / MR / Alpha One sterndrives — old-design gimbal ring arrangement only
• R / MR / Alpha One transom assemblies — old-design gimbal ring arrangement only

Documented applications span approximately the mid-1960s through early Alpha One production, depending on drive and serial-number range. Always confirm with the drive or transom assembly serial number.

Serial Number & Fitment Notice

Fitment must be confirmed using the MerCruiser drive or transom assembly serial number. On R/MR/Alpha One assemblies, this sleeve is associated specifically with the old-design gimbal ring bearing arrangement using roller bearings. Later assemblies transitioned to a nylon gimbal-ring bearing design using a different part — visual similarity is not sufficient to confirm compatibility. If your drive uses the updated nylon bearing design, this sleeve is not the correct part.

Product Details

• OEM Part Number: 23-39273
• Also Referenced As: 39273
• Cross-Reference: 23-39273
• UPC: 745061141117
• Function: Sleeve / spacer — gimbal ring assembly
• System: Steering & transom / gimbal ring
• Quantity Required: 1 per assembly
• Mounting Hardware: Refer to Mercury service manual for torque specs and fastener requirements

When to Replace

Inspect the sleeve any time the gimbal ring or steering assembly is being serviced. Replace if the sleeve shows wear, distortion, corrosion, or damage from disassembly, or if it can no longer maintain correct fit within the gimbal ring. Excessive steering play should also prompt a full inspection of the surrounding roller bearing, oil seals, grease fittings, and steering components — the sleeve alone is rarely the only worn item in a tired gimbal assembly.

Installation Notes

Install in the designated position within the gimbal ring assembly alongside the roller bearing, oil seals, and grease fitting. Confirm the drive uses the old-style roller gimbal ring configuration before installation. Follow the appropriate Mercury MerCruiser service manual for disassembly sequence, lubrication specifications, and reassembly torque values.

Alternate / Superseded Part Numbers

• 23-39273
• 39273

No confirmed direct superseding OEM number should be substituted without verifying the exact drive or transom assembly configuration. Later nylon-bearing assemblies use a different part number entirely.

Related Parts

• Sierra Gimbal Bearing 18-21006 – MerCruiser Bravo & Gen II Sterndrive
• Mercury Quicksilver Cotter Pin 18-54929 – Gimbal Ring & Lower Swivel Pin Retainer
• Mercury MerCruiser Bellows Assembly 8M0124227

Parts Desk Insights

Best Use Case: This is the go-to part when rebuilding or inspecting an early-style MerCruiser gimbal ring assembly on R, MR, or Alpha One drives equipped with the older roller-bearing arrangement. It's most commonly needed during full gimbal ring service — not as a standalone fix.

Common Issues: The most frequent customer mistake is ordering this sleeve for a later Alpha One assembly that has already been updated to the nylon bearing design. The serial number is the only reliable way to confirm which gimbal ring style your drive uses. If you're unsure, check the drive diagram before ordering — a mismatch here means the part won't fit correctly in the assembly.