Alpha I Gen II u-joint removal tool?

[SC_Regal]

I am replacing the input oil seal on 2000 Alpha I Gen II out drive. Anyone have any thoughts about removing the ujoint retainer? I don't have the tool and don't want to damage the retainer. Thanks.

 

[bomar76]

Re: Alpha I Gen II u-joint removal tool?

For the u joints:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38335
-or-
I think the idiots at Autozone rent them (actually free - you put up a deposit and get it all back)
Beating on them w/BFH's and sockets will usually FUBAR the new joints.

For the retainer:
You need the retaining nut tool.......and a warning, trying to take it off via hammer and chisel will just break off the ears.

 

[SC_Regal]

Re: Alpha I Gen II u-joint removal tool?

U-joints are fine, I'm trying to remove the retainer ring to access the yolk to replace the oil seal. ( gear lube in the bellows ). The tool in the manual is listed as # 91-17256 "U-joint Bearing retainer wrench". I was wondering if this is possible to remove without this tool.

 

[bomar76]

Re: Alpha I Gen II u-joint removal tool?

As I said:
For the retainer:
You need the retaining nut tool.......and a warning, trying to take it off via hammer and chisel will just break off the ears.

 

[SC_Regal]

Re: Alpha I Gen II u-joint removal tool?

Thanks, the link was a tool for the ujoints - I will not try without the tool or will take the drive by a dealer to have the retainer loosened.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Alpha I Gen II u-joint removal tool?

and another thing.... there's alot more to making that yoke assembly with all the bearings and the gear work the way it supposed to other than just replacing that seal.... its a process to put it back together... and if you fubar the process... you fubar the drive.
Do a search for manuals... they are in the forums.

 

[SC_Regal]

Re: Alpha I Gen II u-joint removal tool?

I was hoping to get the seal off today and see if I needed any other parts. I do have the manual. Just trying to cut down on the # of trips to the parts store.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Alpha I Gen II u-joint removal tool?

Do you know what bearing preload is or how to set it?

 

[SC_Regal]

Re: Alpha I Gen II u-joint removal tool?

I will follow the manual every step of the way. I have not gone any further - I was not able to easily remove the retaining ring. I was hoping someone has had luck removing it without the specific tool. I'm not trying to cut corners - I would love to get the seal and yolk out before I head out to get all the the parts that I need- just trying to avoid a surprise.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha I Gen II u-joint removal tool?

Ayuh,....

Getting that Ring off is about Impossible without the Wrench,....

From memory, I believe it's on there to the tune of a couple hundred ft.lbs. of Torque....

 

[SC_Regal]

Re: Alpha I Gen II u-joint removal tool?

I'm not going to touch any of the bearings. I am just going to pull the u-joints and replace the seal as out-lined on pages 17-18

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/14/14a3.pdf

 

[JustJason]

Re: Alpha I Gen II u-joint removal tool?

uhmmmm......
you obviously don't know how it comes apart then.....
See that nut on the end of the drive gear???? you gotta take that off (and replace it with a new one and washer), and then you can pull the yoke through all the bearings.... and the seal and oring.
It doesn't matter if your going to reuse the old bearings or get new ones... you need to preload them (hope you have a 1/4 or 3/8 drive dial type torque wrench). If you don't your going to trash the bearings.....

 

[bomar76]

Re: Alpha I Gen II u-joint removal tool?

I was not able to easily remove the retaining ring. I was hoping someone has had luck removing it without the specific tool. .

I guess you missed the TWO TIMES I posted that you need the tool....
You are in the process of screwing up your drive big time.
You say you are following the manual but have no clue as to how to do this....
Take it to a Mercruiser mechanic and pay to have it fixed.

 

[Deanrw3]

Re: Alpha I Gen II u-joint removal tool?

I had this same problem....

I like to do all my own work. I asked this same question about a week ago. NO way to remove the big nut and there are some details as described above. I figured it would be less expensive (and done correctly) then buying tools ect, just to take to the shop.

I will let you know how much it is total in a couple hours when i pick it up. They had it done in 2 days and was estimated about $120.

GL

dean

 

[SC_Regal]

Re: Alpha I Gen II u-joint removal tool?

Thanks, I took it to shop and had the retainer removed. I looked at the manual more - I now understand it much better including the bearing preload. (Sorry - it is hard to understand until you have it in your hands) According to the manual it should be 5.25 lb - in. for used bearings. The new oil seal and carrier went on without a problem. I will read the manual, word for word, a few times before I continue.

I am doing this myself because I have had bad luck with the work I have had done locally. The first shop I went to today wanted $500 - even though I had the drive off and in the back of the truck. I am learning a lot in the process and this site and all of you are invaluable assets.

 

[SC_Regal]

Re: Alpha I Gen II u-joint removal tool?

I've seen the light and realized my limits. Will take it in - hate to get this far and the ____ it up. Thanks