Strut Bushing

[recloosetrav]

Should there be any play in my flex shat at the prop end or does that mean i need a new strut bushing? And is there any in a new bushing. I don't really remember. I feel like its causing some vibration and am pretty sure that is the problem. I've tightened everything down on the boat so I think this is the last area of issue.

[BakedMopar]

I was wondering the same thing. The other day I broke a prop ( think I hit a fish ) While changing it I noticed play in my bushing but can't remember how tight it was either. I just ordered a new one anyway.

[recloosetrav]

By the way I did get that new bushing and it did help. But it seems as if I'm wearing out the new one quickly to is the a greasing issue? I regrease the shaft every three times I run it. So pretty much everyday it is regreased. I just don't feel like replacing these bushings all the time. I run a cf 45 prop so it should't be a unbalanced prop.

[scooterP]

It seems to wear initially to a point then kind of quits wearing so fast. It seems to keep a little play in it reguardless. I'm on my second, and it has play, but not nearly as much as the first one had when I changed it.

[Jeff Wohlt]

You do need some play in it. Make sure your prop is balanced but more than that pull the cable and make sure it is in the shaft straight. You can hang it down from the cable end and spin with you finers and see if it is true. Some are poorly put togther and are not in the stub nice and straight. This can cause severe wear on bushings.

[recloosetrav]

Cool thanks for the advice. I upgraded the flex shaft to the one they sell here and when I put the new bushing in it was way to tight. I used a piece of sandpaper and sanded the inside of the bushing till it started moving freely. Has anyone else had that issue?

[Chilli]

This is what can happen if the shaft/bushing clearance is a little too tight. Unfortunately, I lost the picture of the wire drive that was twisted 20 times.

A little play is a good thing.