How do I replace the cutless bearing on an Albin Vega 27?
I need to replace the cutless bearing on my Albin Vega 27 and would like to buy the replacement before hauling out. What size should I order, and how do I remove the old bearing without damaging the stern-tube housing?
Answer
Replace the cutless bearing with the Vega ashore: expose the bearing housing, remove its two retaining screws and extract the old sleeve with a suitable puller or press. Measure the shaft and housing before ordering, as Vega owners report different bearing outside diameters, and driving the bearing out blindly can damage the adapter.
Check size and shaft arrangement
Measure the shaft diameter, bearing outside diameter and bearing length. Do not order solely against "Albin Vega 27": replacement stern gear and previous engine conversions mean boats of the same model can have different fittings.
- 25 × 40 × 100 mm: a Vetus RL2540 bronze-shelled bearing was reported as a direct fit on a 1978 Vega, hull number 621.
- Approximately 38 mm outside diameter: another Vega owner reported this smaller housing size. Establish whether yours is genuinely 38 mm or an imperial 1½ in sleeve, which measures 38.10 mm.
- Mixed metric and imperial sizes: an SVB composite-shelled bearing with a metric bore and imperial outside diameter has also been successfully fitted, but its exact size still needs checking.
Measure the shaft on an unworn section with a micrometer or vernier calliper. Measure the bearing shell, rather than the rubber bore, to establish its outside diameter. If records or the exposed sleeve cannot confirm the housing dimensions, plan to measure after removal before buying.
Check whether the boat retains its original Volvo Penta Combi variable-pitch arrangement or has been converted to a conventional shaft and propeller. The dismantling sequence differs; a generic fixed-propeller procedure does not cover the Combi mechanism.
Find both retaining screws
Support the boat securely ashore, isolate engine starting and support the propeller shaft independently while its bearing support is removed.
Before dismantling, lift the shaft near the bearing and check for movement between shaft and rubber. Distinguish this from movement of the whole housing: a loose adapter needs attention as well as a replacement bearing. Inspect for uneven rubber wear, shaft scoring and blocked water grooves.
- Photograph the assembly and record the bearing's installed position and any projection.
- Remove the propeller or dismantle the Combi components using the instructions for the fitted system.
- Carefully scrape antifouling from the outside of the bearing housing to locate both retaining screws.
- Clean their sockets, apply penetrating oil if needed and remove them completely before attempting extraction.
Check shaft withdrawal clearance before disconnecting the coupling. Do not assume the shaft will pass the rudder or that full withdrawal is necessary; suitable extraction equipment may avoid it.