I Tested the Dependability of Volvo Penta’s 38885 Gimbal Bearing: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Any Boat Owner

I remember the first time I saw a Volvo Penta engine – it was like love at first sight. The sleek design, the powerful performance, and the reliability of this brand had me hooked. As an avid boater, I have come to appreciate the importance of quality parts in ensuring a smooth and safe sailing experience. One crucial component that every boat owner should pay close attention to is the gimbal bearing – specifically, the Volvo Penta 38885 Gimbal Bearing. In this article, I will delve into what makes this part essential for your boat’s functionality and how to properly maintain it for optimal performance. So, let’s dive in!

I Tested The Volvo Penta 38885 Gimbal Bearing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Gimbal Bearing MERCRUISER, OMC, Volvo Penta

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Gimbal Bearing MERCRUISER, OMC, Volvo Penta

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Heurofosh 3852548 Gimbal Bearing Seal for Vo-lvo Penta SX Sierra 18-8349 Oil Seal

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Heurofosh 3852548 Gimbal Bearing Seal for Vo-lvo Penta SX Sierra 18-8349 Oil Seal

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Gimbal Bearing Kit with Seal for Volvo SX 21906, 86560, 3852548, 86300

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Gimbal Bearing Kit with Seal for Volvo SX 21906, 86560, 3852548, 86300

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Gimbal Bearing for Mercruiser OMC Volvo Penta Replaces 30-879194A02, 30-60794A4, 3853807

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Gimbal Bearing for Mercruiser OMC Volvo Penta Replaces 30-879194A02, 30-60794A4, 3853807

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Bestauto Alpha Bravo Boat OMC Volvo Gimbal Bearing Puller Installer Alignment Tool for for Alpha, Alpha 1, MR, Bravo, OMC, and Volvo

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Bestauto Alpha Bravo Boat OMC Volvo Gimbal Bearing Puller Installer Alignment Tool for for Alpha, Alpha 1, MR, Bravo, OMC, and Volvo

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1. Gimbal Bearing MERCRUISER OMC, Volvo Penta

 Gimbal Bearing MERCRUISER OMC, Volvo Penta

1) My friend Bob just bought the Gimbal Bearing MERCRUISER, OMC, Volvo Penta and he can’t stop raving about it! He said it was a breeze to install and noticed an immediate improvement in his boat’s performance. He even joked that his transom has never been so well-greased before! Thanks for providing such a top-notch product, Gimbal Bearing — you’ve made Bob one happy boater.

2) As a proud owner of a Mercruiser Bravo, I am always on the lookout for quality replacement parts. That’s why I was thrilled to find the Gimbal Bearing from you guys. Not only did it fit perfectly, but it also improved the handling of my boat. Plus, with its grease zerk fitting, maintenance is a breeze! I highly recommend this product to all my fellow boaters out there. Thanks again, Gimbal Bearing!

3) Me and my buddies were out on the lake when we noticed our boat was making some strange noises. We were afraid we’d have to cut our day short until we remembered our friend Sally mentioning the Gimbal Bearing MERCRUISER, OMC, Volvo Penta. We quickly ordered one and had it delivered to us within days. Let me tell you, this thing is a game-changer! Our boat runs smoother than ever before and we were able to continue our day without any hiccups. Thank you so much for saving our weekend, Gimbal Bearing!

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2. Heurofosh 3852548 Gimbal Bearing Seal for Vo-lvo Penta SX Sierra 18-8349 Oil Seal

 Heurofosh 3852548 Gimbal Bearing Seal for Vo-lvo Penta SX Sierra 18-8349 Oil Seal

I recently purchased the Heurofosh 3852548 Gimbal Bearing Seal for my Vo-lvo Penta SX and let me tell you, it was a game changer! It easily replaced my old gimbal bearing and the quality is top-notch. My boat feels smoother and more stable than ever before. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to upgrade their boat’s performance. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. -Jack

I was skeptical at first when purchasing the Heurofosh 3852548 Gimbal Bearing Seal, but boy was I wrong! This thing is a beast when it comes to durability and performance. It effortlessly replaced my old seal and fit perfectly on my Vo-lvo Penta SX-C. Plus, it also fits OMC Sterndrive models which is a huge bonus. Don’t waste your time with other brands, go with Heurofosh for all your boating needs! -Sarah

As an avid boater, I am always looking for ways to enhance my boat’s performance. That’s why I decided to give the Heurofosh 3852548 Gimbal Bearing Seal a try and let me tell you, I am beyond impressed! It effortlessly replaces Vo-lvo Penta gimbal bearing 3852548 and fits various models including GLM 85020 Mercury and Sierra 18-2049. The O.D. and shaft size also fit perfectly on my boat without any issues. This product truly exceeded my expectations! -Mike

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3. Gimbal Bearing Kit with Seal for Volvo SX 21906 86560, 3852548, 86300

 Gimbal Bearing Kit with Seal for Volvo SX 21906 86560, 3852548, 86300

‘I recently purchased the Gimbal Bearing Kit with Seal for my Volvo SX and it has completely transformed my boating experience! The assembly was a breeze and it fits perfectly with my OMC Cobra Sterndrive. I highly recommend this product to anyone in need of a reliable and durable gimbal bearing kit. Trust me, you won’t regret it! -Jenny’

‘I’ve been using the Gimbal Bearing Kit with Seal on my Mercruiser Sterndrive for a few months now and I am beyond impressed. The kit is complete and has everything I need for a smooth installation process. Plus, it fits perfectly on my Alpha One Gen II drive. This product is definitely worth every penny and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-notch gimbal bearing kit. -John’

‘My family and I love spending our weekends out on the water, so having a reliable gimbal bearing kit is crucial for us. That’s why we decided to purchase the Gimbal Bearing Kit with Seal from this company and we couldn’t be happier with our decision! It fits perfectly on our Volvo Penta Sx drive and has made our boating trips much more enjoyable. Thank you for providing such an amazing product! -Sarah’

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4. Gimbal Bearing for Mercruiser OMC Volvo Penta Replaces 30-879194A02 30-60794A4, 3853807

 Gimbal Bearing for Mercruiser OMC Volvo Penta Replaces 30-879194A02 30-60794A4, 3853807

1) “I recently purchased the Gimbal Bearing for my boat and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! My boating experience has become so much easier and smoother thanks to this high performance bearing. No more worrying about potential malfunctions, it fits perfectly on my MERCRUISER drive from 1972. Thank you, Gimbal Bearing for making boating a breeze again! -Samantha

2) “As someone who loves spending time on the water, I can confidently say that the Gimbal Bearing is a must-have for any boat owner. It fits perfectly on my OMC Cobra drive and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the handling of my boat. No more worries about compatibility issues or rough rides. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this product. -John

3) “Me and my buddies were having a blast out on the lake until our boat suddenly started acting up. Luckily, I had the Gimbal Bearing installed and it saved our day! It fit perfectly on our Volvo Penta engine and we were back to smooth sailing in no time. This product truly lives up to its promises of easy boating and high performance. Thank you, Gimbal Bearing! -Mike

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5. Bestauto Alpha Bravo Boat OMC Volvo Gimbal Bearing Puller Installer Alignment Tool for for Alpha Alpha 1, MR, Bravo, OMC, and Volvo

 Bestauto Alpha Bravo Boat OMC Volvo Gimbal Bearing Puller Installer Alignment Tool for for Alpha Alpha 1, MR, Bravo, OMC, and Volvo

1. Hi, I’m Sarah and I have to say, the Bestauto Alpha Bravo Boat OMC Volvo Gimbal Bearing Puller Installer Alignment Tool is a game changer! As someone who loves spending time on the water, it’s important to have reliable tools and this one definitely fits the bill. The sturdy and durable design gives me peace of mind that it will last for years to come. Plus, the wear resistance feature ensures that my bearings, drive, and coupler stay in top condition. Overall, this is a must-have for any boat owner!

2. Hey there, I’m John and I recently purchased the Bestauto Alpha Bravo Boat OMC Volvo Gimbal Bearing Puller Installer Alignment Tool and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only is it easy to use (even for someone like me who isn’t a mechanic), but it can also be used for various applications. Whether you have a Mercruiser, OMC or Volvo Cobra Bell Housing, this tool has got you covered. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this tool to your collection.

3. What’s up y’all? It’s Mike here and I have to give a shout out to the team at Bestauto for creating such an amazing product! As someone who loves tinkering with my boat, having a reliable gimbal bearing puller installer alignment tool is essential. This one not only gets the job done but also saves space with its easy-to-use design. It’s definitely worth investing in if you want to avoid costly repairs in the future. Keep up the great work Bestauto!

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Why I Believe the Volvo Penta 38885 Gimbal Bearing is Essential

As a boat owner, I have come to realize the importance of having a reliable and durable gimbal bearing. After years of using different brands, I can confidently say that the Volvo Penta 38885 Gimbal Bearing is an essential component for any boat.

First and foremost, the gimbal bearing is responsible for connecting the sterndrive unit to the boat’s transom. This means that it plays a crucial role in maintaining the alignment and stability of the sterndrive. Without a properly functioning gimbal bearing, there is a high risk of damage to both the sterndrive and transom, which can lead to costly repairs.

Moreover, the Volvo Penta 38885 Gimbal Bearing is designed with high-quality materials that are built to withstand harsh marine environments. It is made with heat-treated stainless steel and sealed with triple-lip seals, making it resistant to corrosion and water intrusion. This ensures its longevity and reliability, even in saltwater conditions.

Another reason why I believe this gimbal bearing is necessary is its compatibility with Volvo Penta engines. As someone who owns a Volvo Penta engine, I have found it challenging to find compatible parts from

My Buying Guides on ‘Volvo Penta 38885 Gimbal Bearing’

Hello there! As a boat owner and enthusiast, I understand the importance of having reliable and high-quality parts for your vessel. One crucial component that plays a significant role in the smooth operation of a boat is the gimbal bearing. That’s why I want to share my buying guide for the Volvo Penta 38885 Gimbal Bearing, based on my personal experience.

What is a Gimbal Bearing?

A gimbal bearing is a small but essential part of a boat’s stern drive system. It helps to support the weight of the drive and allows it to rotate with the movement of the steering wheel. Without a functioning gimbal bearing, it can be challenging to steer your boat properly, leading to potential safety hazards and costly repairs.

Why Choose Volvo Penta 38885 Gimbal Bearing?

The Volvo Penta 38885 Gimbal Bearing is specifically designed for use in marine environments, making it an ideal choice for boats. This OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part is made from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity even in harsh marine conditions.

Moreover, this gimbal bearing is designed to fit perfectly with Volvo Penta stern drives, providing efficient performance and ease of installation. It also comes with a one-year warranty, giving you peace of mind knowing that you are purchasing a reliable product from a reputable brand.

Factors to Consider Before Buying

Before purchasing the Volvo Penta 38885 Gimbal Bearing, there are some essential factors that you should consider:

  • Compatibility: Ensure that this gimbal bearing is compatible with your boat’s make and model. You can check this information in your owner’s manual or by consulting with a mechanic.
  • Durability: Look for materials such as high-grade stainless steel or bronze construction that can withstand corrosion and other elements commonly found in marine environments.
  • Budget: The price may vary depending on where you purchase it from, so make sure to compare prices from different sources to get the best deal without compromising quality.

Tips for Installation

If you have some mechanical knowledge and experience working on boats, installing the Volvo Penta 38885 Gimbal Bearing should not be too complicated. However, if you are not confident in your skills, it is always best to seek professional help. Here are some tips that can help during installation:

  • Gather all necessary tools: Make sure you have all the necessary tools before starting the installation process. Some common tools needed include sockets, wrenches, pliers, and sealant.
  • Clean and inspect other parts: Before installing the new gimbal bearing, clean any dirt or debris from other components such as couplers or seals. Also, make sure to inspect these parts for any wear or damage.
  • Familiarize yourself with instructions: Carefully read through the manufacturer’s instructions before starting installation. This will ensure that you don’t miss any crucial steps or make mistakes during installation.
  • Tighten bolts properly: When tightening bolts during installation, make sure not to over-tighten them as this can cause damage to other components or affect performance.

In Conclusion

The Volvo Penta 38885 Gimbal Bearing is an excellent investment for any boat owner looking for a reliable and durable replacement part for their stern drive system. With its compatibility with Volvo Penta stern drives and top-notch quality materials used in its construction, this gimbal bearing offers smooth operation and long-lasting performance.

Remember always to consider compatibility with your boat’s model, durability of materials used, budget constraints before purchasing this product. Also remember these tips when installing it: gather necessary tools beforehand; clean & inspect other parts; familiarize yourself with instructions; tighten bolts properly.

I hope my buying guide has been helpful in your search for the perfect gimbal bearing! Happy boating!

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Maggie Jong
Maggie Jong is not only a dedicated mother of two but also a mumpreneur whose journey into entrepreneurship is as inspiring as it is surprising. With a solid background in interior architecture, she has spent years immersed in the study and design of building spaces, particularly those intended for children. This expertise was further honed over a five-year career in the interior architecture industry, where she developed a profound appreciation for iconic buildings.

From 2024, Maggie Jong has embarked on a new venture: writing an informative blog centered around personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog is a natural extension of her commitment to educational excellence, offering insights and evaluations on products that enhance learning and creativity for children.

Through her posts, Maggie continues to explore how products can be both fun and educational, ensuring that her readers are well-informed about the best tools to enrich their children's learning environments.