Mercury – Bearing Race | Bravo X, XR & XZ Sterndrive Drivetrain | Precision-Hardened Steel | 861791

Overview
There’s a quiet kind of confidence that comes from knowing the heart of your sterndrive is supported by components you trust. When you’re cruising through a wide channel or carving a steady line on open water, you want every moving part beneath the transom to feel solid, smooth, and predictable. The Mercury Marine part number 861791 Bearing Race delivers that peace of mind. It’s one of those unseen but essential pieces that keeps your Bravo drive working the way it was meant to—tight, true, and strong.

Key Features

• Precision-machined bearing race for smooth gear movement

• Hardened marine-grade steel construction for long life under load

• Designed for exact fitment in Bravo X, XR, and XZ sterndrives

• Manufactured to Mercury Marine OEM specifications

• Supports proper alignment and rotation of the driven gear assembly

• Built to withstand the demanding conditions of modern sterndrive operation

Engine & Boat Compatibility

• Fits MerCruiser Bravo X, Bravo XR, and Bravo XZ sterndrives

• Compatible with units from serial number 0M100001 and newer (model year 2000+)

• Ideal for performance-oriented boats, offshore hulls, cruisers, sport boats, and wake boats using Bravo X-series drives

• Works within the driveline system requiring an OEM bearing race for durability and proper gear support

Performance & Practical Benefits
A bearing race may be a small component, but when it comes to handling, longevity, and driveline reliability, it plays a leading role. The 861791 race supports the driven gear with tight precision, keeping rotation smooth even as torque loads rise and fall. You’ll feel the difference in the way the drive responds—steady during acceleration, controlled in turns, and consistent through long hauls.

The hardened steel construction holds up to the shock, stress, and vibration that come with real-world boating. Whether you’re easing into a dockside slip or running hard across rough morning chop, the race maintains alignment and integrity. The fitment is exact, making installation straightforward for experienced technicians and ensuring the entire gear assembly seats securely without guesswork.

Because it’s built to Mercury Marine’s own specifications, you get the kind of reliability that keeps the season moving forward without interruptions. No noise, no wobble, no questionable aftermarket metal—just the smooth, confident rotation your Bravo drive was engineered to deliver.

Why Buy OEM
When dealing with sterndrive internals, tolerances matter. Aftermarket bearing races may look similar, but slight differences in hardness, machining accuracy, or surface finish can lead to gear noise, premature wear, or even failure. The 861791 gives you the exact match your Bravo drive needs.

OEM parts ensure:

• Trusted long-term dependability

• Perfect compatibility with existing gear assemblies

• Less downtime and fewer repeat repairs

• The same quality and engineering that went into your original drive

For boaters who value reliability above all else, OEM isn’t a luxury—it’s the smart choice.

FAQ

Q1: Which drives does the 861791 Bearing Race fit?
It fits MerCruiser Bravo X, XR, and XZ sterndrives from serial number 0M100001 and newer.

Q2: How is this different from aftermarket options?
OEM machining and steel quality ensure smooth rotation, correct tolerances, and long-term durability.

Q3: How can I confirm it’s the right race for my drive?
Check your sterndrive’s serial number and compare it with the specifications in your owner’s or service manual.

Q4: Can this part be used in both freshwater and saltwater boats?
Yes—its hardened steel design is engineered for all typical marine environments.

Q5: Is installation easy?
It installs cleanly during a standard gear service, typically handled by a qualified marine technician.