Suzuki outboard motors 1988 2003 repair manual., Page 325Get this manual
LOWER UNIT 8-57 Bearing Assembly
See Figure 59
Lightly wipe the exterior of the bearing assembly with the same shop towelDo not allow solvent to enter the three lubricant passages of the bearing assemblyThe best way to clean these passages is not with solvent-because any solvent remaining in the assembly after installation will continue to dissolve good useful lubricant and leave bearings and seals dryThis condition will cause bearings to fail through friction and seals to dry up and shrink-losing their sealing qualitiesThe only way to clean and lubricate the bearing assembly is after installation to the jet drive-via the exterior lubrication fittingIf the old lubricant emerging from the hose coupling is dark, dirty, gray color, the seals have already broken down and water is attacking the bearingsIf such is the case, it is recommended the entire driveshaft bearing assembly be taken to the dealer for service of the bearings and seals Dismantling Bearing Assembly
Burns on the jet impeller blades are caused by cavitation air bubbles exploding with considerable force against the impeller bladesThe edges of the blades may develop small dime size areas resembling porous sponge, as the aluminum is actually eaten by the condition just describedExcessive rounding of the jet impeller edges will reduce efficiency and performanceTherefore, the impeller should be inspected at regular intervalsIf rounding is detected, the impeller should be placed on work bench and the edges restored to as sharp condition as possible, using fileDraw the file in only one directionA back-and-forth motion will not produce smooth edgeTake care not to nick the smooth surface of the jet impellerExcessive nicking or pitting will create water turbulence and slow the flow of water through the pumpInspect the shear keyA slightly distorted key may be reused although some difficulty may be encountered in assembling the jet driveA cracked shear key should be discarded and replaced with new key Water Pump
complicated procedure must be followed to dismantle the bearing assembly including torching off the bearing housingNaturally, excessive heat might ruin the seals and bearingsTherefore, the best recommendation is to leave this part of the service work to the experts at your local Honda dealership Driveshaft and Associated Parts
ISee Figure 61