1993 OMC Cobra Thunking while turning

[raquettelaker2]

We have a 1993 FourWinns 210 Horizon with an OMC Cobra 5.8l V8 stern drive. Cruising at idle speed is quiet, but when you turn the wheel there is a rapid "thunk thunk thunk thunk" that gets louder the further you turn. The gimbal was replaced last year. Any recommendations? Thanks.

 

[dubs283]

Re: 1993 OMC Cobra Thunking while turning

u-joints

 

[raquettelaker2]

Re: 1993 OMC Cobra Thunking while turning

u-joints

What's involved in replacing u-joints, and do you think the thunking will get worse and cause catastrophic failure, or can the boat be driven for a season like this? Thanks!

 

[dubs283]

Re: 1993 OMC Cobra Thunking while turning

pull the drive and you will see them between the drive and the splined shaft.

"thunking" will probably get worse then will stop suddenly, then you will be stranded on the lake

fix it now and save yourself a headache and some money too

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 1993 OMC Cobra Thunking while turning

You absolutely want to change them now. You either change them now or spend a ton of money on replacing the upper housing of your drive or worse.