How to evaluate U Joints / Gimbal Bearing

[bobafett]

I have an 86 merc 140 alpha one and I have taken off the upper drive shaft to diagnose (knocking sound was coming from the drive when running on muff). How can I determine if the u joints need replacing? What are the signs of bad u joints?<br /><br />Can I determine if the gimbal bearing is bad without removing it from the bell housing? <br /><br />I noticed that the u joint bellows had a crack in it, so it looks a little water has gotten in. <br /><br />I need help before I buy any parts. Thanks.

 

[hoot]

Re: How to evaluate U Joints / Gimbal Bearing

my 0.02. i don't know if there is such a thing as a "little" water. 2 yrs ago my bellows cracked and i replaced the bearing and all bellows and lubed the u-joints. this year, i had to replace the u-joints. water isn't a good lube, and if you can afford it, replace bearing, bellows, and u-joints as they will eventually fail from the water intrusion. my outdrive developed a slight vibration that got worse when turning left or right and it also knocked. when i pulled the shaft, the joints worked smoothly with no looseness. but from the info from people on this forum, i replaced them. i looked at the old joints with the bearing caps removed, and saw ripples on the hardened cross pieces. you can't tell just by looking at and feeling the drive shaft movement. for the gimbal, folks say to reach in and rotate the inner race and feel for smooth operation and looseness. my opinion is if water got into the bellows, replace the bearing.

 

[bobafett]

Re: How to evaluate U Joints / Gimbal Bearing

Thanks for the advice! Does anyone know where I can get the parts off the internet at a good price?<br />A guy has gimbal bearing & u joints listed on ebay as new and said they are made by a Chicago area aftermarket manufacturer.<br /><br />Anybody heard of a aftermarket brand made out of Chicago area?