Mercruiser Alpha One, R and MR Serial Numbers 6225577 THRU 0D469858
Insist on ONLY Original Factory Parts
The Gimbal Ring is the oval ring that steers left and right.
Gimbal rings can fail.
Usually they fail at the very top where the upper steering pin passes through (see photo below)
Newer style gimbal rings have a square hole where the upper steering pin passes through.
Older pre-Alpha units might have a splined hole. The ring should be replaced if you have a splined hole as
the splined holes were more prone to fail and strip out.
If the upper hole wallows out you can loose steering.
Newer units with the square hole are much more reliable but they too can fail.
There should be NO play between the upper steering pin and the gimbal ring.
If you have play, DO NOT attempt to tight the two stainless bolts (see photo below).
These bolts are to only be tightened when the gimbal ring is new and first installed.
If you attempt to tighten the bolts after play has developed, you will weaken and possibly crack
the upper gimbal ring which can result in damage, injury or death from loss of steering.
