Do the ujoint bellows usually look bad before they fail?

[JJJ]

I have a 96 4.3L Cobalt 200 with an Alpha 1 gen II drive in it. As far as I can tell by going through the records, the bellows have never been changed, BUT they look to be in great shape.
I don't really see any water intrusion in the bellows, bearing is smooth and free. The grease has a pinkish color but I am pretty sure that is due to mixing of greases and not water as the grease is only at the bearing.
I don't see any cracks in the bellows or any issue.

I do have a new bellows kit and senders and gimbal bearing, but don't have a whole lot of time to do it this year. And I do spray the bellows with silicone every year.

The boat only gets used 2 weeks a year and sits on a trailer covered the rest of the time.

SO do you usually notice something before they fail? I would like to put it off another year if possible. Opinions?

 

[cr2k]

Re: Do the ujoint bellows usually look bad before they fail?

Not necessarily. There may be a small tear in one of the folds. If they have been on that long you should consider yourself luck and change them.

 

[JJJ]

Re: Do the ujoint bellows usually look bad before they fail?

Thanks. I can't see where they have been replaced but they look like they are in perfect condition. Previous owner was meticulous about maintenance also so maybe he did change them and I just didn't see the receipt.

 

[kmarine]

Re: Do the ujoint bellows usually look bad before they fail?

If this boat was garage kept on a trailer and gently used it is probably fine. Bellows usiually rot from being attacked when boats are kept in the water or out in the elements. ozone, oil, & chemicals are what breaks down the rubber. If you keep the boat in a slip changing them frequently is the key to a dry bilge as well as helping you sleep better at night. If you go out for a few day trips I would not worry, just watch for leaks when you launch in the ramp.

 

[JJJ]

Re: Do the ujoint bellows usually look bad before they fail?

Thanks, the previous owner had it stored indoors except for the few day he was going to use it.
I use it for 2 weeks a year in the Fl. Keys, so for 10 days basically, after that it sits under cover.

There is only around 450 hrs. on the boat.

Time is just at a premium this year. And it looks good inside of there, I haven't pulled the drive in 3 yrs. and it came right off and looks clean inside of the bellows.

 

[kmarine]

Re: Do the ujoint bellows usually look bad before they fail?

Just make sure after you put the drive back on to dip it into a launching ramp and verify you have no water leaking into the bilge. Good luck.