drive shaft stuck in lower

[paulhaig]

Looking for any advice on removing a driveshaft from my merc cle lower.<br>The lower unit failed. I have disassembled and removed all gears including pinion. However the drive shaft failed at the bearing just above the pinion. The shaft has mushroomed out wider than original diameter between bearing and pinion so I can not pull the shaft through the bearing. I can not remove the bearing without removing the shaft. <br><br>I am trying to avoid puting a torch in there to cut the drive shaft. I think that will just wreck the case.<img src="images/smilies/confused.gif" alt="" title="Confused" smilieid="11" class="inlineimg" border="0"><br><br> Thanks for any suggestions.<br>

[RichS]

Angle head die grinder with small stone...?

[outasite]

If you have got the pinion out.Pull all the water pump and bearing cover,unscrew the upper bearing retainer remove upper race.You can now drive the shaft and bearing out the bottom.Once you get it in main housing you will still need to figure how to cut it loose.If the bearing is really crapped out the bottom flange of the bearing may break.You would have a better chance of success if you press rather than drive it out. I just drove one out today with no problems.

[paulhaig]

Outasite
Finally got back to the shop and your suggestion worked. Once bearing was exposed I was able to cut it off without wrecking the case!
Thank you
Paul