I am rebuilding a lower unit off of a 1986 175 Mercury. When I pulled the drive shaft, all of the needle bearings fell out of the race. Is this normal? I couldn't find a real good picture on the net to compare with. I have dealt with needle bearings in the past working on diesel engines, and they always had to packed back in with grease to hold them in place. I am assuming it is the same with these, but thought I would check on here first. Thanks for any help.

YES

Thanks Gary. I appreciate it.

are ya changin' any hard parts in it or just tha seals?

I am going to have to change the top drive shaft bearing, and the bearing carrier. The drive shaft bearing and race has pits in it, and whoever was in it last used a chisel to put notches around the prop shaft seal on the bearing carrier. The seal spun, and then popped out. Other than that, everything else looks good.

justa thought.. whenever ya change any of tha hard parts its best ta get pinion height and end play checked.. original shims may not work right...jmo

Thanks TLW, I will check both.