If you’re like most sailors, the engine on your sailboat often gets used for much more than just coming in and out of the harbor. When the wind is gone they get used for hours on end to take us to our favorite places!

Have you ever noticed a clunking or hammering sound while motoring? If so it’s possible your prop shaft strut bearing might be worn out. Note that sometimes these bearings are referred to as a Cutless bearing, which is correct. The tradename “Cutless” is a registered trademark owned by Duramax Marine, however.

So what does a prop shaft strut bearing do exactly? The prop shaft passes through the strut but is supported by a bearing. It’s basically a brass sleeve with a hard rubber insert that’s ribbed. The ribs keep the prop shaft inline and also allow water to flow through, which lubricates the bearing. As time goes by the prop shaft can wear the rubber ribs down, which means the prop shaft will no longer fit tight in the bearing and may create a clunking noise.

You can easily check the bearing when the boat is out of the water by pushing on the shaft side to side or up and down. If it moves at all, you need a new bearing.

Replacing the bearing is relatively straightforward, or at least it should be? Simply loosen the set screws on the strut and slide the bearing the bearing out. Seems simple enough doesn’t it? Well, these bearings are pressed in place, so they won’t’ just slide out on their own after removing the set screws. The traditional way of removing the bearing requires pulling the prop shaft out, followed by pulling the bearing out with a gear puller. I’ve seen people try to hammer the bearing out. Word of advice, DON’T DO IT! You could loosen the strut in the hull, causing more problems, including water leaks.  Sometimes the rudder is very close to the shaft and has to be removed as well.

Removing the bearing shouldn’t have to be so much work, so we came up with an easier way that uses a jig to push the bearing out with the prop shaft in place. . The only additional thing that needs to be removed is the prop itself. The idea is to make a sleeve out of 1″ pipe that fits over the prop shaft to push the bearing out. I used a 4” section of pipe that is small enough to slide through the strut. In order to get it on the prop shaft, I had to split the pipe. I split it by using a hacksaw, but finding a friend with a power hacksaw would be worth your time.

In addition to the split pipe, we made our own jig, which is essentially a portable puller/pusher that is made up of bars, rod, bolts, nuts and washers from the hardware store. To make the jig start by cutting four 7-1/2” lengths from 1/4 x 1-1/2” steel bar stock. Layout and drill the 7/16” holes as dimensioned on the Pressure Bar drawing. Cut two 18” lengths of 1/2” threaded rod, and then assemble as shown in the video.

The advantage of the jig is that not only does it push the old bearing out but also works as a tool to push the new bearing in. You’ll notice that the jig has springs between the steel bars at the back. These are there to keep the bar spacing correct. When you push the bearing out you’ll want enough space between those bars so the bearing can pass through. When you install the new bearing you’ll want less space between those bars so they can make contact with the end of the bearing. Also, note that when you install the new bearing you’ll want to pay careful attention that the bearing stays aligned with the hole in the strut.

Once the new bearing is in place you can lock it in place with the set screws. Reinstall the prop and you are ready for some happy motoring!