Greasing Yoke - Rust Protection

[manofprawnz]

I have been looking at all these threads dealing with water in the bellows, and see photos with some fairly ugly corrosion all around the yoke/drive shaft assembly. Assuming I find the same in my unit, I have the replacement u-joints and gimble bearing, should I clean all the corrosion off with a sand blaster, then give a coat of grease over everything?

Once I have learned how to do this service I will probably pull the bellows yearly to inspect things and grease the u-joints. Still the same, a new leak may occure at any time, so thinking a thin coat of grease would probably prevent further rust. Any comments?

 

[Don S]

Re: Greasing Yoke - Rust Protection

The only reason they get that rusty is because of the water, which better not be in the bellows. After you replace the ujoints, just paint the ujoint assembly (NOT the splines or oring area).

 

[sarantis]

Re: Greasing Yoke - Rust Protection

i do the same thing. I believe in case of water leaking in the bellows you protect the crosses and yokes from rust when laying on their surfaces some grease.of course if within some days you don't notice and repair the leaking the grease will dissapear.But next time i 'll paint them first as don s suggests.

 

[manofprawnz]

Re: Greasing Yoke - Rust Protection

Good point about the grease, probably OK for whatever condensation would be present, but in the case of a real leak the paint will do a better job. Just a thought before I embark on my first scary sterndrive build.

 

[sarantis]

Re: Greasing Yoke - Rust Protection

i hope you are aware that in case of a real leak there is a small hole that should be kept clear above the gimbal bearing so that you will notice the leaking inside the boat when boating.Otherwise will notice it from the sound when turning or triming up or down but then it 'll be late for crosses and the bearing.Good luck!