Alpha One U Joints replacement without shaft removal

[bebecker]

I am planning on replacing the u joint on my 89 alpha one. If I understand correctly, only the front joints can be replaced without removing the drive shaft.<br /><br />Some posts suggested filing or grinding to allow the caps to fall out. Can someone explain this technique, or is it just to risky?<br /><br />If I must pull the whole shaft, how difficult is this process? <br /><br />Thanks

 

[tommays]

Re: Alpha One U Joints replacement without shaft removal

You will have a problem getting the one joint past the nut on the drive without removeing the retainer nut or grinding on the retainer nut some to make clearance <br /><br /><br /> http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6A3R3.PDF <br /><br /><br />Look on page 17 for the recomended methoid<br /><br />tommays

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Alpha One U Joints replacement without shaft removal

the shaft is siple and if the ujoints are worn or especially water damaged odds are the input yoke is as well. a drive yoke seal failure is deadly on an alpha. for the upper unit anyway.