Volvo Penta Gimbal Bearing 3888555 | SX-A TSK Transom Shield

Volvo Penta Gimbal Bearing Part No. 3888555

This is the OEM sealed gimbal bearing for selected Volvo Penta SX-A and TSK-series transom-shield assemblies. The gimbal bearing supports and aligns the sterndrive input shaft where it passes through the transom shield, allowing the shaft to rotate smoothly while maintaining driveline alignment. Because 3888555 is sealed and non-greasable, it should not be treated as an older grease-serviceable bearing design.

Compatible Applications

Confirmed transom-shield applications:

• TSK SX-A
• TSK-A
• TSK-B
• Selected TSK-C configurations
• TSK-A / TSK-B / TSK-C 32, 42, and 52 configurations
• Selected AC, OX, and NPT transom-shield variants

Aftermarket catalog references also associate 3888555 with the broader SX-A transom-shield family. Confirm by exact transom shield model and serial number before ordering.

Serial Number Fitment Notice

Gimbal-bearing design changed across Volvo Penta sterndrive generations. Always confirm the exact transom shield model and serial number before ordering. Do not assume every SX, DP, DPS, or DP-S installation uses 3888555 Volvo Penta uses different bearing numbers on other transom-shield generations. Match to the original OEM number from your drives parts diagram.

When to Replace

Replace this gimbal bearing when inspection or diagnosis finds:

• Growling, rumbling, or roughness from the transom area
• Roughness when rotating the bearing by hand
• Excessive play in the input shaft
• Corrosion or signs of water intrusion into the bearing
• Pitting or damaged bearing surfaces
• Noise or vibration associated with the drive input shaft
• Bearing deterioration found during bellows or transom-shield service

A worn gimbal bearing affects input-shaft alignment and places additional load on adjacent driveline components.

Installation Notes

Inspect the complete transom assembly while the drive is removed, including the U-joint / driveshaft assembly, bellows, gimbal-bearing sealing area, engine-to-drive alignment, and the transom shield for corrosion or water intrusion. Because 3888555 is sealed and non-greasable, correct seating, driveline alignment, and protection from water intrusion are especially important for long service life. Use the Volvo Penta workshop procedure and proper bearing installation/alignment tools do not drive the bearing in by the inner race.

While the drive is off, also inspect the related Volvo Penta Gimbal Bearing Driveshaft Seal 3852548 and consider servicing the Volvo Penta Exhaust Bellows Kit 3888916 at the same time.

Related Parts

• Volvo Penta Gimbal Bearing Driveshaft Seal 3852548
• Volvo Penta Exhaust Bellows Kit 3888916
• Volvo Penta Exhaust Bellows 3850426 | SX DP-S DP-SM

Superseded / Alternate Part Numbers

• Earlier OEM: 3883629
• Current OEM (this part): 3888555
• Aftermarket equivalents: EMP 30-00806, WSM 983-290 (aftermarket cross-references only, not Volvo Penta OEM numbers)

Parts Desk Insights

Best use: Order 3888555 when your transom-shield parts diagram or drive serial number confirms this bearing for an SX-A or TSK-series assembly. The key fitment checkpoint is the transom shield model and serial number not just the engine or drive name because Volvo Penta uses different gimbal bearings across otherwise similar sterndrive generations.

Common customer issue: Customers sometimes order by sterndrive family name (SX, DP, DPS) without confirming the transom-shield model and serial number. Because several bearing numbers cover overlapping drive families, matching the original OEM part number from the transom-shield diagram is the most reliable way to avoid ordering the wrong bearing.