Gimbal Bearing Oil Seal – Fits MerCruiser R/MR and Alpha One Sterndrives, Replaces 26-88416
Gimbal Bearing Oil Seal – Fits MerCruiser R/MR and Alpha One Sterndrives, Replaces 26-88416 is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Gimbal Bearing Oil Seal – Fits MerCruiser R/MR and Alpha One Sternd...
Gimbal Bearing Oil Seal – Fits MerCruiser R/MR and Alpha One Sterndrives, Replaces 26-88416 is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Product Details
This aftermarket gimbal bearing oil seal is designed for selected MerCruiser R/MR and Alpha One sterndrive applications. The seal helps retain lubricant around the gimbal bearing and helps protect the bearing area from water and contamination when correctly installed in the transom assembly.
Catalog references identify this seal with Mercury/MerCruiser part number 26-88416. The listed replacement reference is 26-36143, and GLM catalog reference 85910 is associated with the same OEM number. Confirm the number, seal design, dimensions, and sterndrive serial range against the original part and service information before ordering.
- Aftermarket replacement gimbal bearing oil seal.
- For selected MerCruiser R/MR and Alpha One transom applications.
- Supplied as one seal; no gimbal bearing, bellows, gasket kit, or installation tool is included.
- Designed as a replacement component, not an OEM-branded Mercury/MerCruiser part.
Part Number Matrix
These are manufacturer and aftermarket catalog references associated with this seal. They are provided for identification and cross-reference purposes only; verify fitment before installation.
| Brand or source | Part number | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury/MerCruiser | 26-88416 | OEM reference |
| Mercury/MerCruiser | 26-36143 | Replacement or superseded reference listed in catalog material |
| GLM | 85910 | Aftermarket cross-reference to 26-88416 |
Engine and Sterndrive Compatibility
Available catalog information associates this oil seal with the following MerCruiser sterndrive families. Sterndrive fitment depends on the transom assembly, component version, and serial number, so the model name alone is not sufficient for a final fitment decision.
| Brand | Sterndrive or transom family | Reference | Fitment note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MerCruiser | R / MR | 26-88416 | Listed in catalog material as an oil-seal application; verify transom assembly and serial number. |
| MerCruiser | Alpha One | 26-88416 | Listed for selected Alpha One applications; verify the exact component version and serial number. |
| MerCruiser | Alpha One Gen II | 26-88416 | Associated with catalog service-kit applications; verify the original seal before ordering. |
Important: The available references do not establish universal fitment for every Alpha One, Bravo, Blackhawk, or legacy sterndrive. The previous broad Bravo and Blackhawk fitment claim has therefore been removed. Confirm the original part number and dimensions with a MerCruiser service manual or qualified marine technician when the serial number is outside the documented application.
Technical Specifications
- Product type
- Gimbal bearing oil seal
- Construction
- Replacement seal assembly; verify the supplied seal's material and housing construction against the product received.
- Installation
- Press-fit replacement in the applicable transom or gimbal housing using the correct service procedure and seal driver.
- OEM reference
- 26-88416
- Aftermarket reference
- GLM 85910
- Quantity
- One seal
What's in the Box
- 1 x Gimbal bearing oil seal
No gimbal bearing, bellows, gasket kit, grease, seal driver, or other sterndrive service components are included.
Installation Notes
- Switch off the engine, disconnect the battery, and secure the boat before beginning work.
- Remove the sterndrive and related components according to the applicable MerCruiser service manual.
- Identify the seal position and orientation before removing the old seal. Do not pry against sealing or housing surfaces.
- Inspect the gimbal housing, bore, bearing area, and mating surfaces for corrosion, scoring, looseness, or other damage.
- Clean the bore and remove old grease, sealant, and contamination.
- Use the correct seal driver or installation tool to press the replacement seal in squarely to the service-manual position. Do not strike the sealing lip directly.
- Inspect the gimbal bearing and replace it if it is noisy, rough, loose, contaminated, or otherwise worn.
- Reassemble the sterndrive and related components using the manufacturer's torque values and adjustment procedures.
Follow the service manual for your exact transom assembly. Improper seal orientation or installation can cause leakage and premature bearing damage.
Troubleshooting and FAQ
What does this part replace?
This listing is identified with Mercury/MerCruiser reference 26-88416. Catalog material also lists 26-36143 as a replacement or related reference and GLM 85910 as an aftermarket cross-reference. Verify the number on your original part before ordering.
Does this listing include a gimbal bearing?
No. This listing is for one oil seal only. The gimbal bearing, bellows, gasket kit, and other transom service parts are not included.
Can I replace the seal without replacing the gimbal bearing?
The seal and bearing are separate components, but access and removal procedures vary by transom assembly. Inspect the bearing while the assembly is open and replace it if it shows wear, noise, looseness, water damage, or contamination.
Is a special tool required?
A suitable seal driver or bearing-and-seal installation tool is recommended. The tool should apply even pressure to the correct installation surface so the seal is not distorted or driven in crooked.
Will this fit every Alpha One, Bravo, or Blackhawk sterndrive?
No universal fitment is claimed. Catalog information supports selected R/MR and Alpha One applications, including an Alpha One Gen II service-kit reference. Bravo and Blackhawk applications require separate verification against the exact original part and serial number.
What are common signs of a damaged gimbal bearing seal?
Possible signs include grease leakage, water contamination around the bearing, or accelerated bearing wear. These symptoms can also result from a worn bearing, damaged housing, incorrect lubrication, or another failed transom seal, so inspect the complete assembly.
Is this an OEM part?
No. This is an aftermarket replacement. Mercury/MerCruiser numbers are shown only as application and cross-reference information.
How should I confirm fitment?
Compare the original part number, seal design, dimensions, transom assembly, and sterndrive serial number with the service manual or parts diagram for your boat. If any of these details differ, obtain confirmation before installation.
Safety and Important Information
- Use the correct service manual for the specific MerCruiser transom and sterndrive assembly.
- Do not rely on the model name alone; serial-number and component-version conditions may affect fitment.
- Professional installation is recommended for sterndrive and transom work.
- Inspect the replacement part against the original before installation. Do not install a damaged, distorted, or incorrect seal.
- This is an aftermarket replacement and is not manufactured or endorsed by Mercury Marine.
About Sea Sierra
- Marine Replacement Parts — We provide aftermarket components for repair and maintenance applications.
- Application-Focused Listings — Product references and compatibility information are presented to help customers compare the replacement with the original part.
- Verification Matters — Always confirm the part number, assembly, and serial-number conditions before ordering or installing a marine component.
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