bravo three outdrive

[WAVEMAKER]

Looks like we need to have both berring carriers replaced in our out drives the boat is a 2000 310FV with 360 hours on it. Is this a common problem with the Bravo Three and what should we expect to pay to have replaced . At the end of the season we took the boat in to have the shift cables replaced and all the boots and bellows replaced .now we are told the Berring Carriers are ready to give out??we are told that the mercury has a upgraded unit made of a alloy metal ?? Thank you for your input...

[alswagg]

Odd!,  Do you bent prop shafts???  Carrier brgs don't where out from normal use.  Now, do you have excessive corrosion on the brg carrier???  I have seen this, but not a worn out brg.    I have seen corroded brg carriers to the point that the aft seal weeped gear lube.  If the carrier is corroded, verify you are using the correct anodes and your Mercathode is working propplerly.  Also check to see if any stray current at you dock in the spring.  Al

[WAVEMAKER]

Al they are telling me that it is a corrosion problem and that both drives would start to leak gear lube if not replaced, Al I am in Ohio on Lake Erie, and this boat has been a fresh water boat since she was new, Is this a normal thing with the Bravo Three drive .The dealer is telling me 1000 per drive and that the new carrier assy is made of a harder alloy???I replace my anodes every season with new magnisum  and they do pit up, How would I check for stray current at our marina in the spring??Thanks for your input.. Its a real toss up what  cost more money my wife or the boat!!!!!

[alswagg]

Here is the part number for the carrier assy, note, additional parts will also be required for the service,  ie, seals, oil, ect.   Can you post a photo???
865876A01 --CARRIER ASSEMBLY, Bearing (click here)  805329A1   $423.25

[kaptnt]

         I HAD SAME ISSUE LAST YEAR ON THE SAME BOAT ( 2000 310 ) CORRODED TO THE POINT OF ALMOST LEAKING.  I ORDERED THE PARTS FROM A COMPANY CALLED ... PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY..........   THEY WERE OEM PARTS AND THE NEW ALLOY YOU MENTIONED.    IN NOVEMBER 2010 THE PARTS COST $644., MUCH CHEAPER THAN OTHER PLACES I CHECKED.     
         
       FOR THE CORROSION PROBLEM, I ADDED A ANODE TO THE PROP SHAFT AND PAINTED OUTDRIVES WITH ...TRILUX 33...,     THIS YEAR NO CORROSION AT ALL.

[alswagg]

The only other type of carrier assy I have been able to locate for Bravo III's are for the Sea Core Version's,  these are priced over $1,000 each.  But to the OP, the OEM type has lasted for over 10 season's,  If it is to corroded to reuse, I would advise to replace with the same type as original.  It will last for an additional 10 years, chances are you won't keep the boat that long.    Note, when repainting drive, also repaint the carrier with proper paint and primer.  Al