Mercury – Quicksilver 8M0176522  Lower Shift Cable Kit | Bravo Sterndrive Series | Marine-Grade Composite & Seals | 8M0176522

Overview

If you’ve spent enough time running a MerCruiser Bravo drive, you know how much confidence comes from a smooth, predictable shift. There’s a certain comfort in feeling the drive slide cleanly into gear — no hesitation, no grinding, just that steady click that tells you everything is working the way it should. The Quicksilver 8M0176522 Lower Shift Cable Kit gives you that feeling every time you leave the dock. It’s one of those parts you rarely think about until it starts to wear… and when it’s fresh, you can feel the difference immediately. Whether you’re easing into a no-wake zone or powering out of the hole, this cable kit is built to keep your control tight and your day on the water stress-free.

Key Features

• Complete lower shift cable kit for MerCruiser Bravo sterndrives.
• Includes cable, o-rings, gaskets, connectors, and bellows.
• Engineered for long life and dependable shifting in harsh marine environments.
• Designed to remain flexible and responsive even in temperatures below 0°F.
• Smooth-operation layered cable construction.
• Mercury Marine part number 8M0176522.

Engine & Boat Compatibility

Compatible with MerCruiser:

• Bravo One, Bravo Two, and Bravo Three sterndrives.
• Gasoline and diesel sterndrive packages using Bravo drives.
• Commonly found on cruisers, bowriders, sport boats, offshore boats, cuddy cabins, and performance hulls.

Performance & Practical Benefits

A shift cable may be small, but it’s one of the most important links between you and your boat’s drivetrain. When the cable starts to bind or corrode, you feel it — sloppy engagement, hard shifts, or the dreaded delay that makes you second-guess every maneuver. With this Quicksilver cable installed, the action feels tight and deliberate, restoring that crisp control you expect from a Bravo drive.

The layered construction inside the cable helps it glide with minimal resistance, even under heavy loads or in cold weather. The included seals, o-rings, and bellows create a watertight system that keeps moisture and grit out, protecting the entire shift mechanism. It’s a small upgrade that pays off every time you throttle back to dock or thread your way into a crowded marina.

Replacement is straightforward. Most experienced boaters can install it with basic tools, and the fitment is precise because it’s designed exactly to Mercury’s OEM specs — no improvising, no adjusting, no surprises.

Why Buy OEM

Shift cables aren’t something you want to gamble with. Aftermarket options may look similar, but they rarely match the smoothness, durability, and corrosion resistance engineered into genuine Mercury components. With an OEM kit, you’re getting materials tested in real marine conditions — not just on a bench.

A Mercury Marine part gives you reliable performance, a longer service life, and a perfect fit the first time. It’s the kind of upgrade that saves you time, protects your drive, and helps avoid expensive future repairs. If you’re already running a Bravo drive, it makes sense to trust the same team that built it.

FAQ

Q1: Which engines does this shift cable fit?

It’s designed specifically for MerCruiser Bravo sterndrive systems across a wide range of engine packages.

Q2: What makes this kit better than aftermarket versions?

OEM-quality materials, precise tolerances, and long-life components engineered for Bravo drives.

Q3: How can I confirm this is the right part?

Check your drive model (Bravo One, Two, or Three) and compare with your owner’s manual or Mercury parts diagram.

Q4: Is it suitable for both saltwater and freshwater boats?

Absolutely — the cable and bellows are built to withstand both environments.

Q5: Is installation difficult for the average boater?

Most boat owners with mechanical experience can replace the cable using common tools by following the manual.