650/X-2 thru-hull bearing replacement

[waterbox]

So I'm getting some weird vibes when I pin it on my 650sx, but nothing when I'm cruising around slow. I'm trying to figure out if its the pump bearings or the thru-hull driveshaft bearing. At idle, you can hear a rattling noise when its on the trailer, but both my buddies 650's do the same thing so I'm not sure if its normal or if we all need bearings ha. Also, I pulled the motor the other day to replace a cracked magnet on the flywheel, and I noticed that my drive shaft slides thru the driveshaft bearing with ease, but there isn't any side to side play, it doesn't leak, and I don't get any cavitation when launching from he beach. Any help here? Thanks

 

[waterbox]

no one has ever had to replace a pump bearing or shaft bearing?

 

[kevbo]

I have never found a bad bearing in the mid support unless it has been disassembled and left to rust. Usually the rubber comes loose and causes an air leak that makes the pump vibrate. Slide the engine forward and spin the shaft. listen for bearing noise. Air intrusion is the main cause of pump vibration. Also make sure the aft grate bolt does not protrude into past the housing, that will also cause a lot of vibration. An old straight pitched prop will also tend to vibrate out of the hole.

 

[waterbox]

I have never found a bad bearing in the mid support unless it has been disassembled and left to rust. Usually the rubber comes loose and causes an air leak that makes the pump vibrate. Slide the engine forward and spin the shaft. listen for bearing noise. Air intrusion is the main cause of pump vibration. Also make sure the aft grate bolt does not protrude into past the housing, that will also cause a lot of vibration. An old straight pitched prop will also tend to vibrate out of the hole.

thanks kevbo, I noticed my driveshaft slides freely through the bearing, is that normal or should it be a tighter fit? And is it common for pump bearings to go bad?