Bellows & Hose Rubber

[Blackpony]

Is 303 Protectant or other product such as Armor All recommended for use on the rubber bellows and other rubber components to extend life?

 

[dubs283]

Re: Bellows & Hose Rubber

if the u-joint bellows/shift bellows look old and cracked, it is time for replacement.

OEM replacement bellows are engineered from the factory to withstand normal operating conditions for specified time periods

i have never read or heard of or been told to apply any product to bellows

 

[Blackpony]

Re: Bellows & Hose Rubber

The bellows are in good shape. However when I raise / lower the outdrive I can hear rubber on rubber rub and thought a little protectant would ease whatever friction is happening down there and also preserve the rubber. Thoughts?

 

[dubs283]

Re: Bellows & Hose Rubber

just a WAG but perhaps the steel coil inside the bellows is slipping and the noise you are hearing is the coil "snapping" over the humps/ridges in the bellows??

to be sure, pull the drive and rotate the bell housing up manually and look at the steel coil if this is the case

 

[Blackpony]

Re: Bellows & Hose Rubber

Thanks for the advice -- I'll take a look at it tomorrow. It's not a snapping sound, I think maybe its the shift cable rubbing agains the side of the drive bellows -- it only makes the noise when dry in the garage, not while wet after being in the water.

 

[TpaPaul813]

Re: Bellows & Hose Rubber

I just took mine off and they looked good...only to find a small cut in the lower part and there was water in the tube...I am going to check mine once a year...

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Bellows & Hose Rubber

I change mine every 3 years regardless of its use. Small price to pay vs replacing other parts that can get ruined by water intrusion. When in dry storage, just make sure that the suns rays cannot shine on any of the rubber hoses or bellows. Sunlight will destroy the rubber quicker than being in the water.