3853807 Gimbal Bearing · Fits OMC Cobra / King Cobra select 1986–1998, Replaces 18-2100, 21906, 983937

3853807 Gimbal Bearing · Fits OMC Cobra / King Cobra select 1986–1998, Replaces 18-2100, 21906, 983937

GHMarine gimbal / U-joint bearing for select OMC Cobra / King Cobra and EPC-matched Volvo Penta SX / DP drives — OEM 3853807 (also listed as 983937 / 21752712). Cross-refs 18-2100, 21906, 9-72410, 64794, 30-00803. This is a metal bearing only — not an exhaust bellow and not a full transom service kit.

This page is the canonical gimbal-bearing listing. Internal CSKU 18BK5002 maps to the same 3853807 bearing — do not buy a second page (and ignore any old "exhaust bellow kit" label on that internal path). It is not rear oil seal 3852548 (GH 23BK487), not gasket set 508105, not U-joint bellow 3854127 (GH 18B5002), and not later maintenance-free bearing families such as 62540 / 862540A3 unless your EPC explicitly supersedes to them.

Which part is this?

It is the gimbal housing / U-joint support bearing on the listed Cobra / SX-style drives. Confirm the old bearing or EPC shows 3853807 / 983937 / 21752712 before you order.

It is not an exhaust bellow, not U-joint bellow 3854127, not rear oil seal 3852548, not a multi-piece transom kit with bellows and hoses, and not a MerCruiser-primary Alpha/Bravo bearing page (cross-brand charts are reference only — do not order from MerCruiser year tags alone).

Signs yours is due

• Gimbal / U-joint bearing feels rough, noisy, or has play when the drive is supported — stamped 3853807 / 983937 / 18-2100 when readable.
• You are rebuilding the gimbal housing and the EPC calls for 3853807 (not a later 62540-style maintenance-free unit).
• You almost ordered a full bellows kit because a photo showed bellows + hose + bearing — stop: this carton is the bearing only.
• Divert: need rear oil seal only → GH 23BK487 (3852548). Need U-joint bellow → GH 18B5002 (3854127). Need gasket set 508105 → that kit page, not this bearing.

Will it fit my drive?

This bearing is Compatible with select OMC Cobra / King Cobra gimbal housings about 1986–1998 that specify 3853807 / 983937, and with select Volvo Penta SX / DP U-joint assemblies only when EPC confirms 3853807 (exclude codes such as SX-R2 when the EPC does not list this bearing). Do not order from a vague "1986–up" or ungated XDP year tag alone.

*Representative Cobra band. Final fit = OEM 3853807 / 983937 / 21752712 on the old bearing or EPC — not horsepower alone. Later maintenance-free 62540 / 862540A3 families are different unless your supersession chain says otherwise.

OEM & swap numbers

Primary OEM 3853807. Also listed as 983937 / 21752712. Cross-refs 18-2100, 21906, 9-72410, 64794, 30-00803.

Wrong part? Read before you order

• NOT an exhaust bellow or "exhaust bellow kit"
• NOT rear oil seal 3852548 (GH 23BK487)
• NOT gasket set 508105
• NOT U-joint bellow 3854127 (GH 18B5002)
• NOT later maintenance-free 62540 / 862540A3 unless EPC supersedes
• NOT a second page for the same bearing (internal 18BK5002 — use this page)
• NOT a multi-piece transom kit with bellows + hose + seals

What ships in the box

• 1 × Gimbal / U-joint bearing (3853807 family)
• Set screw / grease-passage plug only when supplied (confirm against package — do not assume)

Gallery note: some older photos show a full transom multi-piece layout. The sold quantity is one gimbal bearing — do not expect bellows, hoses, seals, or gasket packs in this carton.

Often ordered with related SKUs

• Gimbal bearing rear oil seal → GH 23BK487 (3852548)
• U-joint bellow → GH 18B5002 (3854127)
• SX dual bellows (no inlet) → GH 17B3006

Install tips (gimbal bearing)

Gimbal housing / U-joint bearing service. Cold engine; support the boat and drive; disconnect battery; follow the OMC / Volvo Penta procedure for gimbal bearing replacement. This usually requires removing the sterndrive and using the correct bearing driver / puller tools. Do not install a later 62540-style bearing unless your EPC confirms that supersession.

1. Confirm old bearing / EPC is 3853807 / 983937 / 21752712 — not seal 3852548 and not a later 62540 family.
2. Remove the drive; support the gimbal housing; extract the old bearing per the service manual.
3. Clean the bore; install the new bearing square and to the specified depth / orientation.
4. Install set screw / plug if supplied and required by the assembly.
5. Reassemble; grease per the manual; check for noise / play before returning the boat to service.

FAQ

Is this an exhaust bellow kit?

No. 20GK001 is a metal gimbal bearing (3853807) only. Ignore any internal path that was mislabeled as a bellow kit.

Is this the same as 18BK5002?

Same physical 3853807 bearing. This page is the canonical listing — do not order a second page.

Is 3852548 included?

No. 3852548 is the rear oil seal (GH 23BK487). Order it separately if that seal is due.

Will any 1986–up Cobra / XDP bearing fit?

No open-ended year tag. Confirm 3853807 / 983937 on the old bearing or EPC (representative Cobra band ~1986–1998).

Is this a MerCruiser Alpha/Bravo bearing?

This page is OMC / Volvo Penta 3853807. Do not order from MerCruiser year charts alone.

What comes in the box?

One 3853807 gimbal bearing; set screw / plug only when supplied (confirm against your package).

Please note

Aftermarket replacement by GHMarine. Not affiliated with engine manufacturers named above. "Compatible with", "Replaces", and cross-ref numbers identify the 3853807 gimbal bearing family — always confirm EPC and that the carton contains one bearing before ordering.