Abstract: A split ring face seal made from self lubricating graphite material. The seal has applications to in board boat drive lines. The split ring seal allows for a method to effectively manufacture and ultimately to re-manufacture the face seal. The seal includes centering bearing surfaces that allow for some elastic flexing in response to torsional stress within the drive line while limiting drive shaft wear caused by such flexing in the drive line. The split ring face seal is designed to be driven against a stationary seal face. The face seal is adaptable to virtually all types of boat drives as well as providing a practical seal in other applications.

Abstract: A steering arm yoke and trunnion assembly for a marine propulsion system includes a steering arm and a yoke including integral fluid paths for trim actuator fluids and for cooling water for an outboard powerhead mounted to a horizontal mounting plate within a platform extending from a boat hull. The steering arm and yoke include a drum extending through the horizontal mounting plate for rotating an attached propeller drive unit. The fluid paths extend through the drum, which is rotatably mounted to the horizontal mounting plate. The yoke includes pivot arms for attachment to a trunnion that includes actuator brackets for trim actuators fluidly connected to the actuator fluid paths of the drum.

Abstract: A propulsion system for motor boats is described, wherein the motor unit and the support member for the propeller shaft are mechanically connected together.

Abstract: A bearing member for rotatably supporting a drive shaft for driving an impeller on a boat body configured to prevent wearing of an outside circumferential surface of a drive shaft and/or an inside circumferential surface of an inner lace. An inner lace makes contact with an outside circumferential surface of the drive shaft, and an outer lace is disposed on the outside of the inner lace with a rotary body dsiposed therebetween. A connecting member for rotating both the drive shaft and the inner lace is provided between the outside circumferential surface of the drive shaft and the inner lace. The connecting member is a ring-shaped elastic body pressed against the outside circumferential surface of the drive shaft and a side surface of the inner lace. Two bearing members are provided at an interval therebetween, and the connecting member is disposed between the bearing members.

Abstract: A shaft seal system for watercrafts, where a seal from the system may be replaced while the watercraft is in water. The invention comprises two seals, one at each end of a cylindrical member having cooling and lubrication means. Water enters an entry port and circulates throughout camera channels within the cylindrical member and around a shaft which drives the watercraft propeller. The water then exits an exit port. The cylindrical member has a removable ring at one end, which keeps the first seal pressed in place. When the first seal deteriorates and needs to be replaced, the exit port water line is disconnected to determine if the second seal is in satisfactory condition. If the second seal is preventing water from entering the camera area, said ring is removed. A replacement seal already upon the shaft is slid in place, and said ring is re-secured. If the second seal is not in good condition but only a small amount of water enters, the replacement of the first seal may still take place.

Abstract: There is now provide an ocean-going ship, and an ocean-going vessel with a stern tube seal arrangement for sealing a stern tube for a propeller drive shaft, and an arrangement for sealing propeller drive shafts in an ocean-going vessel. In the seal arrangement there is provided a compensation to balance pressure fluctuations that arise in the lubricating oil chamber due to axial oscillations of the shaft. In this, the change of pressure is determined by a sensor and this actual value is passed to a comparator element. The comparator element controls a pressure valve so as to control the extent of filling of an annular tubular expandable body, whereby the expandable body impacts on the lubricating oil chamber. By way of a phase shift of 180 degrees in reference to the sensed pressure impulse in the event of an increase in volume of the expandable body, a minimized pressure fluctuation in the lubricating oil chamber can be controlled.

Abstract: The invention provides a stern tube sealing apparatus which prevents an abrasion by cooling and lubricating a sliding contact surface of a first seal ring, prevents a foreign substance and a seawater from entering so as to further improve a durability of a seal ring and a liner, intends to make the sealing apparatus compact and reduce a cost by using no pressurizing apparatus, and has a high reliability of a seal system.

Abstract: A drive of inboard-and-outboard engines, wherein a drive gear unit (10) meshing with driven gears (25, 26) disposed on the upper end side of a drive shaft (28) disposed generally in vertical direction is formed slidably in a direction perpendicular to the drive shaft (28), whereby the drive gear unit (10) can be operated slidably from the outside of an upper unit (9) located at the top of an outer drive unit (5) disposed inside a hull (1).

Abstract: A propulsion system for motor boats is described, wherein the motor unit and the support member for the propeller shaft are mechanically connected together.

Abstract: There is now provide an ocean-going ship, and an ocean-going vessel with a stern tube seal arrangement for sealing a stern tube for a propeller drive shaft, and an arrangement for sealing propeller drive shafts in an ocean-going vessel. In the seal arrangement there is provided a compensation to balance pressure fluctuations that arise in the lubricating oil chamber due to axial oscillations of the shaft. In this, the change of pressure is determined by a sensor and this actual value is passed to a comparator element. The comparator element controls a pressure valve so as to control the extent of filling of an annular tubular expandable body, whereby the expandable body impacts on the lubricating oil chamber. By way of a phase shift of 180 degrees in reference to the sensed pressure impulse in the event of an increase in volume of the expandable body, a minimized pressure fluctuation in the lubricating oil chamber can be controlled.

Abstract: A jet-propelled boat having an inboard motor and a hull which incorporates an inlet ramp penetrated by a driven shaft. The driven shaft couples a drive shaft of the inboard motor to an impeller of a water jet propulsion assembly which is mounted in cantilever fashion to the hull transom. The hull penetration is accomplished by a through-hull housing which is installed in an opening formed in the hull inlet ramp. Preferably the through-hull housing is made of thick metal plate with a transverse linear bore for shaft penetration and a peripheral flange which seats in a peripheral recess formed along the edge of the opening in the inlet ramp. The through-hull housing is clamped to the recessed hull edge, which forms the opening in the inlet ramp, by an annular clamp plate. An inlet grate extending from the outboard surface of the through-hull housing. A through-hull housing and inlet grate assembly is installed in the hull opening as a module.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system (10) including a vertical drive unit (12) adapted to have a common upper gear case housing (26) for use with either one of a cone clutch shifting apparatus (60) or a clutch dog shifting apparatus (120). The upper gear case housing is designed to have bearing support surfaces (38) common to both applications and to have a bottom mating surface (27) adapted for attachment to a lower gear case (16) including either a clutch dog shifting apparatus (120) or a non-shifting power transfer apparatus (140). A shift linkage (110) is designed to have a first set of parts (80,82) adapted for connection to the cone clutch shifting apparatus (90) and having a second set of parts (102,104,106) adapted for connection to the clutch dog shifting apparatus (120) and having a third common set of parts (44,48,50) necessary for connection to either the cone clutch shifting apparatus or the clutch dog shifting apparatus.

Abstract: A roller bearing drive assembly for a marine mud motor with an elongated drive tube containing a lubricant, the drive assembly configured for rotatably receiving a drive shaft including a propeller on the end. The drive assembly comprises a drive assembly housing containing an outer seal to restrict lubricant flow from the housing cavity, an inner seal to provide a lubricant chamber for pressurizing the lubricant, a bearing to rotatably connect the drive assembly housing to the drive shaft, and a seal cap to protect the outer seal from the elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for installing a propeller assembly (1) in an opening (9) in the bottom (8) of a swimming vessel and for removing the propeller assembly (1) from the opening (9). The propeller assembly (1) comprises an underwater section (2) including the actual propeller and a top section (3) inside the vessel, between which is fitted a flange element (4) for tightly sealing the opening (9). The apparatus comprises a hoisting chamber (7), which is fitted in the opening (9) in the bottom of a vessel, extends inside the vessel to above waterline and surrounds the top section (3) of the propeller assembly. The apparatus further includes guide elements for guiding the propeller assembly (1) during the course of lifting or lowering.

Abstract: A transom seal assembly for sealing an opening in a boat transom is provided. A propulsion system has a part thereof extending through the transom opening. The seal assembly comprises an inflatable seal between respective peripheries of the part and the transom opening to provide water-tight sealing relative to the interior of the boat even in the presence of a seal puncture condition.

Abstract: A gear shift mechanism for a marine propulsion system includes a reversible DC electric motor, a sliding clevis, and a shift rod for actuating a gearset within a gearcase between forward, reverse, and neutral positions. The mechanism is housed in a watertight gear shift cover that is attached to a trunnion that, in turn, attaches to a top surface of the gearcase. Electronic, logic driven controls reverse the polarity of the motor to manipulate the shift rod via the sliding clevis to shift the gearcase into a selected operating position.

Abstract: A sealing member for a propeller shaft is provided with a heat shield to prevent damage from occurring to an elastomeric portion of the sealing member when exposed to hot exhaust gases. The exhaust gases can flow in thermal communication with the elastomeric portion of the sealing member when the marine propulsion unit is operated in reverse gear. A heat shield is provided by extending a metallic portion of the sealing structure toward the outer cylindrical surface of the propeller shaft and rounding the edge to avoid direct contact between the heat shield and the propeller shaft.

Abstract: Drive assembly in a boat includes a propeller shaft housing (5) which projects downwards on the underside of the bottom (4) of the boat and is connected to a drive unit (1), arranged on the inside of the boat, via members (9) which, in the event of a load acting on the housing, for example in the event of grounding, bring about controlled separation of the housing from the drive unit and the bottom of the boat.

Abstract: A transom seal assembly for sealing an opening in a boat transom is provided. A propulsion system has a part thereof extending through the transom opening and the seal assembly is positioned between the part and the transom opening to provide respective individually secure dual watertight seals relative to the interior of the boat.

Abstract: A roller bearing drive assembly for a marine mud motor with an elongated drive tube containing a lubricant and for rotatably receiving a drive shaft including a propeller on the end. The drive assembly comprises a drive assembly housing having an upper end, lower end, and housing cavity. An outer seal is mounted in the lower end of the drive assembly housing and structured to stop lubricant flow from the housing cavity. A seal cap is mounted to protect the outer seal from the elements. An inner seal is provided, between the outer seal and the upper end of the drive assembly housing, and spaced apart from the outer seal to provide a lubricant chamber for pressurized lubricant. The pressurized lubricant in the lubricant chamber cannot escape because the two seals are installed in opposing directions allowing pressurized fluid to enter but not escape the lubricant chamber.

Abstract: A support structure for a marine propulsion system utilizes a compressible member that is supported between two surfaces in a manner that prevents the compressible member from being significantly compressed. The compressible member is generally U-shaped and has two arms that have distal ends which extend away from each other to provide an appropriate sealing function without the need for significant compression of the compression member.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a water jet pump of a personal watercraft which includes a vertical wall 5 formed at the rear end of a water intake duct to form a pump mounting space 6, a pump bracket 8 fitted with an inlet of the water jet pump 7 and having a connecting surface 15 to sealingly connect to the vertical wall 5. A sealant recess 15b for accommodating a non-solid sealant S such as a silicon gel, is formed in the connecting surface 15 of the pump bracket 8, to enhance the air and water sealing quality between the connecting surfaces of the pump bracket 8 and the vertical wall 5.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for installing a propeller assembly in an opening in the bottom of a swimming vessel and for removing the propeller assembly from the opening. The propeller assembly comprises an underwater section including the actual propeller and a top section inside the vessel, between which is fitted a flange element for tightly sealing the opening. The apparatus comprises a hoisting chamber, which is fitted in the opening in the bottom of a vessel, extends inside the vessel to above waterline and surrounds the top section of the propeller assembly. The apparatus further includes guide elements for guiding the propeller assembly during the course of lifting or lowering. In the method, the propeller assembly is lifted away by way of the top of the hoisting chamber after clampings of the propeller assembly to the hull of a vessel are unfastened and hoisting means are secured to the propeller assembly. Installation proceeds in a reversed order.

Abstract: An adjustable sealing device for sealing between rotatable drive shaft, such as a propeller drive shaft, and the aperture in a structure, such as the hull or bulkhead of a vessel, through which the shaft passes. The device is generally rigid and is comprised of an adapter ring, a slide ring, a diaphragm positioned between the adapter ring and the slide ring, a friction ring having one end positioned in the adapter ring and a seal surface engageable with the seal surface of a seal ring rotatable with the shaft, biasing means positioned between the slide ring and the friction ring for urging the seal surfaces together, and a spring cover acting as a seal redundant to the diaphragm.

Abstract: Simplified propelling system for a propeller-supporting shaft of adjustable inclination, where the front end of the propeller-supporting shaft is carried by a hollow cylindrical body steadily fixed to the reversing gearbox, which in turn is steadily fixed to the engine.The hollow cylindrical body comes out of the stern surface of the boat through a hole sealed by rubber rings which allow small angle adjustments to modify the inclination of the propeller-supporting shaft, further carried by an adjustable support placed outside the boat; the inclination of the propeller-supporting shaft is modified by raising or by lowering a single assembly including the engine, the reversing gearbox, the hollow cylindrical body and the propeller-supporting shaft.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a rotary drive shaft that extends through the hull of a boat, the outboard end of the shaft being coupled to a propeller and the inboard end to a marine engine for rotating the propeller. The assembly includes a cylindrical housing joined by a flexible hose to a tube in the stern of the boat through which the shaft passes. Received within the housing is an annular bearing whose bore diameter depends on the size of the shaft whereby the bearing installed in the housing has an internal diameter appropriate to the size of the shaft being sealed by the assembly. Coupled to one end of the housing is an annular cap having an elastomeric lip seal therein that frictionally engages the shaft to prevent sea water from leaking into the boat. A reservoir defined by an annular space within the housing between the lip seal and the bearing is continuously fed with water to cool and lubricate the lip seal.

Abstract: Briefly stated, the present invention comprises a seal joint for a propeller shaft passing through a boat hull. The seal includes a bronze support bushing that is fitted over the propeller shaft, first elastic rings cooperating with the support bushing, an elastic bellows surrounding the shaft downstream of the support bushing, and a lubricating oil circulation system. The lubricating oil circulation system comprises two stages that cooperate to establish water tightness, a first ring-shaped water retention chamber filled with a viscous insoluble sealing medium, and a second chamber filled with lubricating oil. Forced, closed-circuit, circulation of the lubricating oil is produced during rotation of the propeller shaft within the support bushing, inside a static eccentric chamber formed within the support bushing, the support bushing being loosely fit onto the propeller shaft with no rigid fixing so that the propelled shaft is rotatable and axially moveable.

Abstract: A stern mounted vertically adjustable propeller and rudder marine drive. The aft end of a propeller shaft, the propeller, the rudder and printle and a skeg are vertically moveable to adjust a boat's draft for use in the water and when trailering. A stern underwater slot in the boat hull and shaped to enhance water flow accommodates the propeller shaft which is driven by an inboard engine. As the propeller shaft passes through the hull slot it engages a flexible water seal mechanism which self adjusts or maintains itself in various up and downward positions; its pivotal point is common with the conterline pivotal point of a universal joint, which is attached to a drive shaft connected to the transmission of an inboard engine.

Abstract: An elastic plane-bearing support for the impeller shaft of a water jet propulsion unit for providing good support and yet accommodating relative movement between the engine and the jet propulsion unit.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for a marine propulsion drive that insures good sealing and adequate lubrication.

Abstract: A marine drive unit in combination with a coupling (6) between the engine (4) and the propeller drive unit (2). The unit has a divided flywheel cover (20), the proximal portion (22) of which is joined to the engine and has an axially extending section (25) with a connecting portion (38), which has, as seen in the drawing, an inner profile which is upwardly tapered both longitudinally and transversely to the drive unit. A primary shaft (16) is joined via drive knuckles (15) to the propeller drive unit (2) and is borne in a bearing (28) mounted in a seat (27) in a first end of a bearing holder (26). The primary shaft (16) engages a flywheel (19). The other end of the bearing holder (26) is joined to the distal portion (24) of the flywheel cover. The distal portion (24) has a supporting portion (31) with an exterior profile complementary to the interior profile of the connecting portion (38).

Abstract: A system to adjust to the changing draft of ocean-going ships on the aft seal system equipped with several outwardly-directed gaskets and one inwardly-directed gasket, in which, between each two outwardly-directed gaskets a ring-shaped chamber is reserved, to which a feed line for compressed air is connected. Integrated into the feed line is a pressure control mechanism and a discharge channel which can periodically empty into the interior of the ship (bilge), whereby the pressure in the ring-shaped chamber is always maintained slightly below the outside water pressure. The system is characterized by the fact that an electronic draft measurement system is located on the ship's hull to supply electric signals which correspond to the current draft, which signals actuate the pressure control mechanism.

Abstract: A safety device on an aft seal system equipped with at least two gaskets for a ship's propeller shaft, which propeller shaft is sealed with respect to the outside water and with respect to a lubricant chamber, and on which a ring-shaped chamber is reserved between each two gaskets, to which chamber are connected a feed line for compressed air and a discharge channel which can be emptied by means of a solenoid valve which opens and closes periodically. The pressure in the ring-shaped chamber is kept always slightly lower than the respective outside water pressure and the lubricant pressure by means of a pressure regulation mechanism.

Abstract: An adjustable sealing device for sealing between rotatable drive shaft, such as a propeller drive shaft, and the aperture in a structure, such as the hull or bulkhead of a vessel, through which the shaft passes. The device is generally rigid and is comprised of an adapter ring, a slide ring, a diaphragm positioned between the adapter ring and the slide ring, a friction ring having one end positioned in the adapter ring and a seal surface engageable with the seal surface of a seal ring rotatable with the shaft, biasing means positioned between the slide ring and the friction ring for urging the seal surfaces together, and a spring cover acting as a seal redundant to the diaphragm.

Abstract: In a marine vessel having a drive shaft that extend rearwardly from its hull, wherein the drive shaft has a coupling and a bearing assembly along its length that are supported by struts, which struts are also secured to the hull of the vessel. A coupling cover encompasses the coupling and is mounted adjacent to a bearing assembly. A fairwater encompasses the coupling cover and is attached to the bearing assembly or the strut associated therewith to define a chamber and a clearance space between the fairwater and the coupling cover for directing fluids therethrough and through the bearing assembly to lubricate such bearing assembly. Vanes are located on the coupling cover or on a separate support located within such chamber to enhance the fluid flow through the bearing assembly.

Abstract: Boat propulsion unit comprising a suspension arrangement (2) and a propeller drive shaft housing (3) which, via a lower and an upper universal joint (22, 24, respectively), are pivotally connected to each other. The suspension arrangement comprises a frame (5) in the form of an extruded aluminum profile which is fixed around an opening in a boat transom, and a carrier (6) attached to the frame member, the carrier covering the opening and supporting the pivot connection. The carrier is integrally formed with a flywheel casing (20) for a connected engine.

Abstract: A kit, an assembly and the combination of these with a boat's stern drive unit for the purpose of extending the propeller rearwardly of the boat to increase the trim height adjustment range and leverage. The kit and the assembly include an extruded spacer and an extension shaft.

Abstract: An acoustic isolation structure providing an acoustically isolated opening nd comprising coaxial inner and outer annular structural members defining an irregular annulus between them. Acoustical isolation material is provided within this annulus to acoustically uncouple the two members. Radially overlapping structural rings extending from the members into the annulus limit lateral movement of the inner member and preserve the generally coaxial relation of the members.

Abstract: Two embodiments of water jet propulsion units having an improved bearing arrangement for supporting the impeller shaft where it passes through the hull for connection to the engine. In each embodiment, a gravity feed oil system supplies lubricant to the bearing.

Abstract: A sealing system for effecting a seal around a rotatable cylindrical shaft. The system is intended to be employed with a shaft which extends through a wall, such as a boat hull, into an aqueous environment. The system employs an elastomeric seal which defines an aperture therewithin, and the seal is intended to be fitted around the rotatable shaft which it is intended to seal. Structure is provided to mount the seal at a location generally coaxial with the shaft and spaced from the wall on a side thereof opposite that of the fluid environment.

Abstract: Boat propulsion unit comprising a suspension arrangement (2) and a propeller drive shaft housing (3) which, via a lower and an upper universal joint (22, 24 resp.), are pivotally connected to each other. The suspension arrangement comprises a hollow frame member (5) made from extruded aluminum and arranged around an opening in a boat transom. The frame member presents, in cross-section, a T-shaped slot (13), in which a plurality of screws (14) are accommodated. With the help of nuts (16) and intermediate yokes (15) on the inside of the transom, the screws hold a flange on the frame member against a surface on the outside of the transom in order to secure the frame member.

Abstract: A boat is provided with an integral jet power unit encased in a waterproof housing. The hull has a well or compartment open at top and bottom which removably receives the power unit. Retaining elements hold the power unit in place in the compartment. Resilient gasket seals the housing in the well, reduces transmission of vibration and cushions the thrust generated by the jet. The walls of the well are sealed to the bottom of the boat hull so that the hull will not leak when the power unit is removed. The invention may be embodied in various hull constructions including folding and inflatable boats, where handling the hull and power unit separately greatly enhances operation, transport and storage.

Abstract: A through hull assembly to be incorporated in a marine drive has a housing secured to the hull. The housing consists of a rearward tubular section and a forward section. The tubular section is of a length to extend through the hull and is connected and sealed thereto in a manner preventing leakage through the passageway through which the tubular section extends. A shaft extends through both housing sections and is sealed to opposite ends thereof and is supported by bearings in each section with the ends of the shaft exposed. The bearings in the forward section are accommodative of forward and rearward thrusts. A lubricant reservoir maintains the housing full with the lubricant level in the reservoir giving information if there is any housing leakage.

Abstract: The invention employs the principle of the prior art for cooling a heated body by means of so-called heat pipes, with seal devices for rotating shafts, in particular for a ship's propeller shaft. According to this principle, an externally closed chamber extending in the longitudinal direction and filled with a liquid working fluid extends on one end into the body to be cooled, and on the other end into a cold medium, whereby a constant circulation takes place, so that the work fluid is evaporated in the hot portion of the chamber, the vapor flows into the cold portion of the chamber, condenses there, and the condensate is returned to the hot portion by way of a capillary structure (FIG. 1 ).

Abstract: Oil venting and monitoring apparatus for marine outdrives. The apparatus includes an oil monitoring reservoir suitable for locating inside the boat. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the fully oil flooded head of the marine outdrive. The reservoir can be observed for an indication of oil level and oil condition. A clear plastic oil reservoir may be used to enhance visual observation. Unlike conventional outdrives, the oil reservoir is convenient for the addition of oil as necessary during and after operation. The apparatus is preferably designed with at least a one inch (1") diameter oil fill hole and typically is of one (1) quart or more oil capacity, so that an entire quart of oil can be quickly added to the system at one time. Also, audible and visual warning systems are included to warn the operator of a low oil condition, or of excess metal in the oil.

Abstract: An improved propulsion system is provided for inboard motor boats with planing-type hulls. A straight propeller shaft is passed through the bottom of the hull at an angle shallow enough to present a portion of the propeller above the bottom of the hull aft of the transom thereby providing a propeller that operates partially above the running water line during planing conditions. The benefits of a planing-type hull and a surface-drive propulsion system is economically and efficiently combined in a new design for inboard motor boats. The improved design is inexpensive to manufacture, install and maintain.

Abstract: A marine exhaust system component includes a flexible silicone rubber conduit adapted for installation particularly between the engine and exhaust conduit. Heat resistant fibers are impregnated in the silicone rubber to add mechanical strength to the conduit Additional heat resistant compounds can be impregnated in the silicone rubber to improve the heat resistance of the conduit. The conduit is able to withstand operating temperatures of about 350.degree. F., and will survive intermittent temperatures of about 800.degree.-1200.degree. F. during engine malfunctions. The flexible silicone rubber conduit will substantially eliminate damage to the exhaust system caused by vibration and wrenching of the engine components during operation.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for rotating shafts, in particular a propeller shaft of a ship which is in contact with water containing impurities, is designed to provide a filter portion substantially adjacent the outermost seal to thereby filter dirt particles out of the water and keep the dirt particles out of the vicinity of the seal. Such a filter can be made from a sintered material and can essentially be designed to fit the existing space available along the propeller shaft.

Abstract: Sealing device for rotating shafts, in particular stern tube seal for the propeller shafts of a ship, with a main seal and a backup seal, in which the main seal is designed as a rotating mechanical seal or as a lip seal, and the backup seal is designed as a gland seal, and the activation of the latter takes place by means of an expandable body, which can be pressurized with a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure medium, preferably as a function of the pressure of the medium to be sealed out.

Abstract: A water jet propulsion unit having a housing, a drive shaft, an impeller for mounting on the drive shaft, and a thrust bearing for supporting the drive shaft in the housing. The propulsion unit further includes a shaft seal unit for the shaft, with the housing having a forward end and a rear end, a bore with a longitudinal axis for slidingly receiving the shaft seal unit form the rear of the housing, with the shaft seal unit and the bearing carried on the shaft, a shoulder for preventing forward movement of the bearing in the bore along the axis beyond a predetermined position, and a lateral opening for access through the housing to the shaft seal unit, and a retainer moveable through the lateral opening for engagement with the shaft seal unit and the housing for limiting rearward movement of the shaft seal unit in the bore.