30-879194A02 Gimbal Bearing Oil Seal Kit 2-Piece Fits MerCruiser MC-1 R MR Alpha Bravo Sterndrives

30-879194A02 is the marketing kit number. Inside the box you'll see 30-60794A4 (bearing) and 26-88416 (oil seal). Aftermarket 9-72424 crosses the same two-piece combo.

No gasket 27-94996Q2 in this SKU — that's the 20BG004 3-piece line. Don't order this and expect a flat gasket kit in the photos.

Will it fit my drive?

Early greasable gimbal applications on MC-1, R/MR, Alpha One, and Bravo One per catalog tables. Drive serial number required. NOT later maintenance-free 862540A3 / 9-72425 without label match.

OEM & swap numbers

Wrong part? Read before you order

·       NOT for single gimbal bearing only — see GHMarine 18MB001 or 20BG003.

·       NOT for bearing + oil seal + gasket 3-piece repair — see GHMarine 20BG004 (27-94996Q2).

·       NOT for oil seal only — see GHMarine 20BG001.

·       NOT for Gen II / later maintenance-free bearing 30-862540A3 or Mallory 9-72425 kits.

·       NOT for full transom repair with bellows + hoses — see GHMarine 17B3005.

What ships in the box

·       1 × Gimbal bearing (30-60794A4)

·       1 × Oil seal (26-88416)

·       No gasket kit (27-94996Q2), bellows, or transom hoses

·       Bearing driver / seal install tools sold separately unless shown

Often ordered with transom service

·       Single bearing only — GHMarine 18MB001 (60794A2 family).

·       3-piece with gasket — GHMarine 20BG004.

·       Full transom kit — GHMarine 17B3005 (bellows + bearing + gasket + hoses).

·       Bellows singles — 17B1015 exhaust · 17B1004 U-joint · 17B1005 shift.

Install tips

1. Remove sterndrive; inspect bearing for rust, roughness, or play.

2. Remove old oil seal — don't reuse a crushed or hardened seal.

3. Drive new bearing square with a bearing driver.

4. Install new seal per housing orientation; no nicks on the sealing lip.

5. Check alignment before reinstalling drive; test trim and steering on muffs.

FAQ

Is this a single gimbal bearing only?

No. This is a 2-piece bearing + oil seal kit (30-60794A4 + 26-88416). For bearing-only see 18MB001 or 20BG003.

Does this include a gasket like 27-94996Q2?

No gasket in this box. For bearing + seal + gasket see 20BG004.

What is the difference between 18-21001 and 18-2100?

18-21001 crosses the full kit (30-879194A02). 18-2100 is the bearing component (30-60794A4) — not a substitute for the seal.

My bro has the same drive — can I order what he ordered?

No — not without checking. Same model name does not mean the same sterndrive serial range. Read your drive S/N and your removed bearing stamp before you order.

Can I just search "MerCruiser gimbal bearing kit" and buy this?

Please don't. Confirm you need bearing + seal (this SKU) vs bearing only vs 3-piece with gasket. Five minutes with the removed parts beats pulling the drive again.

Is this the same as Mallory 9-72424?

Aftermarket 9-72424 crosses 30-60794A4 + 26-88416. 9-72425 is the Gen II / 862540A3 line — not this early greasable kit.

I only need the oil seal 26-88416 — is this SKU right?

For seal-only see 20BG001. This SKU ships bearing + seal together.

How is this different from 18MB001?

18MB001 is one gimbal bearing (60794A2 family). 20BG002 adds the oil seal for the same transom service job.

What is in the box?

1× gimbal bearing (30-60794A4) and 1× oil seal (26-88416). No gasket kit, no bellows, no hoses. Tools sold separately unless shown.

My drive is Gen II — is this still the right kit?

Maybe — if your removed label is in the 60794 / 879194 / 18-2100 family and your drive is in the early greasable catalog band. Many later Gen II drives moved to maintenance-free bearings. Removed label first; drive S/N second.

Please note

Aftermarket replacement kit. Not affiliated with engine manufacturers referenced above. There is not one universal "MerCruiser gimbal kit" for every sterndrive — drive serial number is mandatory, even when the drive model matches your bro's nameplate. Confirm removed bearing stamp + drive S/N before order.