Volvo Penta Gimbal Ring Bushing 3862903 | DPH DPR

Volvo Penta 3862903 – Gimbal Ring Bushing (DPH / DPR)

• Part Number: 3862903
• Brand: Volvo Penta (OEM Genuine)
• Official Product Type: Bushing – Gimbal Ring / Steering Knuckle Assembly
• System: Sterndrive Steering & Gimbal Ring
• Diagram Position: Item 14 in the DPH-A / DPH-B / DPR-A / DPR-B gimbal ring assembly
• Quantity Per Assembly: 2 (two bushings are used per applicable gimbal ring assembly)
• Installed With: Steering knuckle 3862246, retainer 3862247, sealing ring 3862245, thrust washers 3862248, pins 3862188, fork 3862759, and fork bushing 3862217
• Supersedes: No confirmed OEM supersession – order by active number 3862903
• Weight: Approx. 0.1 lb per bushing
• Kit Contents: Individual bushing – steering knuckle, retainer, sealing ring, and thrust washers are serviced separately

Important: Do not confuse 3862903 with 3862217. Both are called “bushing” in the Volvo Penta gimbal ring diagram, but they occupy different positions in the same assembly and are not interchangeable. The 3862903 is specifically item 14, adjacent to the steering knuckle.

The 3862903 is a genuine OEM Volvo Penta bushing used in the gimbal ring and steering knuckle assembly on DPH and DPR sterndrives. Two of these bushings are installed per assembly at diagram position 14, working together with the steering knuckle, retainer, sealing ring, fork, pins, and thrust washers to provide controlled, low-friction articulation of the gimbal ring. Worn or damaged bushings in this location contribute directly to steering looseness and uneven gimbal movement.

Compatible Applications

• Volvo Penta DPH-A – gimbal ring assembly, diagram position 14 (qty 2)
• Volvo Penta DPH-B – gimbal ring assembly, diagram position 14 (qty 2)
• Volvo Penta DPR-A – gimbal ring assembly, diagram position 14 (qty 2)
• Volvo Penta DPR-B – gimbal ring assembly, diagram position 14 (qty 2)
• Also referenced in DPH family maintenance kit documentation – confirm by drive serial number and diagram

Serial Number Notice: Confirm the exact drive model, revision, and gimbal ring diagram before ordering. Nearby components in the same assembly use similar-looking bushings — matching by diagram position 14 is the safest method.

When to Replace

Replace these bushings when inspection shows excessive steering or gimbal ring play, visible wear or ovaling of the bushing bore, corrosion or surface deterioration, binding or uneven steering movement, or damage found during gimbal ring or steering knuckle service. Because two bushings are used per assembly, always replace both at the same time.

Service Interval

Inspect gimbal ring bushings during annual sterndrive service or whenever the steering knuckle or gimbal ring is disassembled. There is no fixed interval — replace when wear or play is detected. Proactively replace during any major upper gear housing or gimbal ring service to avoid repeat disassembly.

Associated Service Parts

• Volvo Penta Steering Knuckle 3862246 – Steering knuckle in the same gimbal ring assembly
• Volvo Penta DPH/DPR Steering Fork 22867288 – Steering fork for DPH/DPR drives

Installation Notes

Because two 3862903 bushings are used per assembly, inspect and replace both whenever the gimbal ring is serviced. At the same time, inspect the related steering knuckle 3862246, sealing ring 3862245, retainer 3862247, thrust washers 3862248, pins 3862188, and fork bushing 3862217 for wear or damage. Use the applicable Volvo Penta workshop procedure for bushing removal, installation, alignment, and lubrication. Ensure both bushings are fully seated and aligned before reassembling the steering knuckle and retainer.

Technical FAQ

Q: How many bushings do I need for one gimbal ring service?
A: Two (2) bushings are used per applicable gimbal ring assembly. Order two pieces to complete the service.

Q: What is the difference between 3862903 and 3862217?
A: Both are called “bushing” in the Volvo Penta gimbal ring diagram and are used in the same assembly, but they occupy different positions and are not interchangeable. The 3862903 is item 14 adjacent to the steering knuckle. Always identify the correct part by diagram position before ordering.

Q: What drives use this bushing?
A: Direct diagram-confirmed applications are DPH-A, DPH-B, DPR-A, and DPR-B. It also appears in DPH family maintenance kit documentation. Confirm by your exact drive serial number and diagram.

Q: Can worn gimbal ring bushings affect steering performance?
A: Yes. These bushings support the steering knuckle articulation point in the gimbal ring. Worn bushings allow play to develop in the assembly, which can result in loose or imprecise steering feel and uneven gimbal movement under load.

Parts Desk Insights

Best Use Case: This is the correct part for customers rebuilding or servicing the gimbal ring steering assembly on a DPH or DPR sterndrive — especially when addressing steering looseness or completing a full upper gear housing service. Always ordered in pairs since two are required per assembly.

Common Issues: The most frequent mistake is confusing 3862903 with 3862217 — both appear as “bushing” in the same Volvo Penta diagram, but they sit at different positions and are different parts. The second common error is ordering only one bushing when two are required. Always verify diagram position 14 and order a quantity of two for a complete service.