Strutpro

My cutlass (or is it cutless) bearing (1983 E28+) has developed some play and I'm pretty sure it needs replacement. Has anyone used a tool called the "Strut Pro" to press out the old and press in the new bearing? Using this tool avoids the need to pull the shaft out but instead you have to take off the prop. How tough is prop removal?

Gary

Beg, borrow, or lease a prop puller from your local marine propellor, or engine repair shop. Easiest way. One can heat or beat on a prop but it is very easy to make it look like it fell from a truck going 70 MPH !!
It is on a tapered shaft. Don't loose the Woodruff key that fits into the key way.

Gary Peterson
E381 QUIXOTIC

Gary - The prop will have to come off regardless.

A year or so ago I posted pics of a bearing pushing tool made by a friend of mine that is quite easy to duplicate.

http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexchange/showthread.php?t=3253

FWIW, I have used a simple two legged wheel puller to remove my fixed two blade prop. It didn't work on a folding prop.

You NEVER want to beat on the prop to get it off - doing so can cause damage to bearings/seals/shafts that are part of your engine! You can get 3-legged puller from Sears for around $40, or borrow one...