Prop change on Malibu Sportster

[MalibuTimmy]

Does anyone know what the plastic bushing/gasket is on the prop shaft? It sits right in front of the prop behind the brass driveshaft support. I recently pulled my prop and am swapping with an acme 3 blade 515.  This plastic piece is kind of chewed up but still intact on the shaft. Is this something I should replace as well? 

2004 Malibu Sportster LX 

TIA Tim 

[justgary]

Is it the strut bushing?  Maybe it slipped out of the strut.  It should be retained by a set screw.

[Woodski]

@MalibuTimmy - if it has slipped and chewed up, probably.  Check the gap between shaft and bushings.  New ones have a snug fit (very little clearance).  Mine loosened over time to .020-.030” axial clearance & I chose to replace them.  I could feel a slight vibration at a certain rpm with the old ones.

[solorex]

That's your strut bushing.  Common part and you should replace.  If you haven't done a shaft alignment in a while you should do that as well.

[justgary]

If it is white plastic, it is a Vesconite replacement bushing.