Bellows adhesive or not?

[tfret]

Im installing new U joint and exhaust bellows on an 07 SX-A drive. Neither the instructions that came with the OE kit, or the service manual call for adhesive. However my sealing surfaces were a bit corroded. After cleaning them up they are a little bit pitted. I’m considering using adhesive just to ensure a good seal. What harm if any could possibly be from this?

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would wire brush the corrosion, use a zinc dichromate primer, and some paint prior.

 

[tfret]

Yep i got it all cleaned up, primed, and painted with Volvo primer and paint. But still not perfectly smooth like it was when new.

 

[Horigan]

I use Triple Guard grease.

 

[4now04]

I would not recommend adhesive. The drive bellows is secured with a hose clamp on one end and compressed between metal drive parts on the other (or at least it is on my DP-SM). The exhaust bellows does not need to be water tight. In fact, the bellows has drain holes in it.

 

[BRICH1260]

Having a watertight seal on the exhaust bellow is not critical. As long as you have enough lip to get the clamp to tighten on you should be good. Adhesive isn't detrimental until you go to replace that bellows with the next one, it can really gum up the mounting surfaces for the next time.

 

[HiWard]

From my VP Workshop Manual AC 2(2) from 2003, on page 43:
"Coat the outside surface of the gimbal bearing bore with Volvo
Penta Gasket Sealing Compound. Sealer is not required on the
outside of the exhaust opening."

and page 61:
"Apply Volvo Penta Gasket Sealing Compound around the complete inner V-shaped lip of the pivot housing, to seal the
U-joint bellows against water entry."

Someone else may be able to confirm this, but my understanding is that VP at some point changed the bellows from a rubber type to a harder plastic type. Maybe the latter doesn't require gasket sealant?

 

[Grub54891]

I never put adhesive on the exhaust bellow. I used to but it would pull off the transom end sometimes. Then I read that it's not needed. Volvo not so bad but does happen at times. Mercruiser seems to come off almost every time with adhesive.