Mercury Mariner Outboard 225 3 Litre Service Manual 1994, Page 235Get this manual
IMPORTANT: The pinion bearing rollers are free to fall out of the pinion bearing once the drive shaft is removedBe careful not to loose the (18) rollers2Remove the drive shaft and all components by pulling the drive shaft straight oul of the gear housing as shownInspect the bearing surface on the drive shaft where the needles of the lower pinion bearing rollReplace the drive shaft if it is pitted, groovedscored, worn un evenly, discolored from overheating, or has embedded particlesInspect the splines at both ends of the drive shaft for worn or twisted condition Replace the drive shaft if either condition existsInspect the gear for pitting, chipped or broken teethhairline fractures, and excessive or uneven wearBeplace the pinion gear and the forward gear as set if any defects are found5 70608 Drive Shaft Drive Shaft Retainer, Bearing CupBearingand Shims