Bravo 3 u-joints?

[Shaun78]

What are some signs of the u-joints going bad? I only got to use my boat twice since I bought it. My Bravo 3 is stored in my garage so I can check it out if I know what to look for

 

[barkerrd]

Re: Bravo 3 u-joints?

A lot of rattling when you turn the wheel hard , with the motor running underway

 

[Shaun78]

Re: Bravo 3 u-joints?

Thanks, The drive is off the boat. How can I check them now?

 

[flabum]

Re: Bravo 3 u-joints?

Just check them for slop. There should be no slop, but move freely. Are you experiencing a noise? While the drive is off, reach up inside the transom assembly where the outdrive shaft goes and check the bearing up in there. It should roll perfectly smooth, if there is any roughness to it, replace it. Roughness in that bearing will make a noise when you trim or steer the boat, if it's real bad, it will make noise all the time.

 

[Shaun78]

Re: Bravo 3 u-joints?

no rust anywhere. bearing moves perfectly and u-joints have no slop and also move freely. I will go 1 more year then I will replace the bellows to be safe that no water gets in.