Strut Bearing / Bushing

[kylegansel]

I think my strut bearings are going bad. There is some rubber sticking out the strut. How long should these last and any idea what can cause them to go bad? My boat is 10 years old with 235 hours.

[85 Barefoot]

they just age. and water quality can also affect. but, you should definitely not have rubber hanging out! the skidim.com slide hammer is MONEY! 10 years is not shockingly short.

Edited September 4, 2015 by 85 Barefoot

[Woodski]

@kylegansel: they can last a long time under ideal conditions. What tends to wear them out is running dry, vibration, misalignment or debris between the shaft and rubber material. 235 hours is pretty short lifespan for them, as you service I would suggest checking the shaft for damage, alignment and make sure the prop is in good shape also. Check out the white vesconite versions (skidim has them) which is now common on the newer boats, and a direct replacement.

[kylegansel]

Hey guys - just an update. I took it in and had the strut bearings replaced. The last inch of the rear one was completely blown out. With the way it was pulled out they think fishing line got stuck in it at some point. Alignment is good and runs great now. Something to note. I was getting a heavy vibration on a hard right turn. It's gone now. Thanks for all the advice!!