1992 Johnson Evinrude "EN" 40 thru 55 Service Manual, P/N 508143, Page 230Get this manual
r;;-] 12To remove the bearing housing and forward gear from the propeller shaft, pry the clutch dog retainer spring out of the clutch dog groove and push out the clutch dog pinDiscard the retainer spring 1201 13Separate the bearing housing from the propeller shaftRemove the thrust washer, thrust bearing, and forward gear from the housing
1211 14Disassemble the bearing housing as follows:
Push out the shift lever pindisengage the shifter shaft and cradle from the shift leverand remove the shift leverRotate the shifter detent 1800 to depress the detent ball and springBall and spring can pop out with great forceWear safety glasses for eye protection and proceed with carePull the shifter detent from the bearing housing being prepared to catch the ball and spring15The forward gear bearing and bearing housing are serviced as an assemblyIf either are worn or damaged, replace the assembly