Changing U-Joints

[Maxum88]

Hey guys,

I have a 3.0 Merc w/ a prealpha outdrive. My weekend project for this week is to tackle the u-joints in my outdrive. I've done some research and it seems pretty easy, but seems all videos show the "caps?" of the actual joint you compress with the c-clamp and sockets already removed.
Am I missing something? Any help or guidance with starting this little project would be appreciated. I was also told I could go into autozone with my old u-joints and pick up new ones. Does this seem ok or is there a marine grade I should use (and pay more for?!)

THANKS!!!

 

[eldplanko]

Re: Changing U-Joints

Get the Spicer U-Joints, there is a cross-ref on the sticky page. Also, press them out with a the "big c-clamp" tool and a large socket. If you start banging things with a hammer, you're going to mess up your yolks, and it will be a pain in the butt to remove and press them in. You can probably rent/borrow the tool from your auto store, or buy one from harbor freight, and the job will go very quickly.

 

[Maxum88]

Re: Changing U-Joints

Thanks! It looks like there are caps over the joints that needs to be pressed in. Is that true?

 

[eldplanko]

Re: Changing U-Joints

There should be a snap ring inside the caps, remove these first. Press a cap in untl the opposite side pops out. You'll need a big socket that will fit over the (opposite side) cap for this. Once one cap is off, push the u-joint on the side that is off until the first cap pops out.

 

[slag]

Re: Changing U-Joints

Going with what was said above, once you have the outdrive off sitting in front of you, this is about a 30 minute job, give or take. Should be back out on the water in no time!

 

[ziggy]

Re: Changing U-Joints

do get a ujoint press if ya want the project to go smooth. i never recommend harbor frieght, but that's where i got mine and it does do work amazingly, consindering it's a chineeze tool. i'd also suggest that ya get one of these. double check against the oem s/m as to that being the proper tool. assuming it is. it will help make short work of R&Ring the u joints. also, you won't be able to replace the ft. u joint w/o removing the retainer nut for the drive gear yoke. unless ya wanna grind some of the retainer nut ears off. which some folks do. i removed mine.

 

[anymanusa]

Re: Changing U-Joints

Do not attempt without a big sturdy vise or the proper press.

 

[Maxum88]

Re: Changing U-Joints

Thanks for all your feedback guys! I feel comfortable tackling this project this weekend now.