Sierra 18-2161 Marine Shift Arm for Mercruiser Stern Drive, Replaces Mercury Marine 45518A2

The Sierra 18-2161 is a stainless steel shift arm built for Mercruiser stern drive applications. It links the shift cable to the drive's internal shift mechanism, transferring the boat operator's shift lever input into the gear-selection linkage of the stern drive. Built to meet or exceed original equipment quality standards, the 18-2161 is manufactured as a direct-fit replacement for worn, corroded, or broken shift arms that can cause sloppy, hard, or unreliable shifting between forward, neutral, and reverse.

The shift arm is constructed from stainless steel for corrosion resistance in the marine environment. It is offered as an equivalent to Mercury Marine part numbers 45518A2 and 45518A 3, and cross-references to Evinrude/Johnson 318944. Because shift arm geometry varies between stern drive models, confirm the part number match against your Mercruiser stern drive before installing.

Specifications

• Brand: Sierra
• Manufacturer Part Number: 18-2161
• Product: Shift Arm
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Fit Type: Universal Fit (verify part number before ordering)
• Weight: 0.08 pounds
• UPC: 030999311658

Fitment

• Mercruiser stern drive

Replaces (OEM)

• Mercury Marine 45518A2
• Mercury Marine 45518A 3
• Evinrude/Johnson 318944

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Sierra 18-2161 shift arm do? It connects the shift cable to the internal shift mechanism on a Mercruiser stern drive, transferring the shift lever's input into the drive's gear-selection linkage.

Does the 18-2161 fit any Mercruiser stern drive? The Sierra 18-2161 is listed as a universal fit for Mercruiser stern drive applications, but shift arm geometry can vary by model, so check the part number against your stern drive before ordering.

What OEM part numbers does this shift arm cross-reference? The 18-2161 is equivalent to Mercury Marine 45518A2 and 45518A 3, and also cross-references to Evinrude/Johnson 318944.

Is the 18-2161 a genuine Mercury Marine part? No, the 18-2161 is a Sierra-brand part manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment quality, offered as an equivalent to the Mercury Marine 45518A2 and 45518A 3 shift arms rather than a Mercury Marine branded part.

What material is the Sierra 18-2161 shift arm made from? Stainless steel, chosen for corrosion resistance in marine stern drive applications.

How much does the 18-2161 shift arm weigh? 0.08 pounds.

What is included when I order the Sierra 18-2161? One Sierra 18-2161 stainless steel shift arm for Mercruiser stern drive applications.

Will the 18-2161 work if my boat has an Evinrude or Johnson outboard instead of a Mercruiser stern drive? The Sierra 18-2161 cross-references to Evinrude/Johnson part number 318944, so it can serve as an equivalent on applications that originally used that part number in addition to Mercruiser stern drive applications.

How is the 18-2161 different from a used or salvage shift arm? The Sierra 18-2161 is a new part manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment quality standards, avoiding the wear and corrosion risk of a used shift arm pulled from another drive.