I'm getting some bad vibrations

[tjstrike]

Vibration coming from the drive that rattles the whole boat, I read in another post where it was stated to start with the gimbal bearing and u-joints, is that correct ? I do have a little play in the prop, about a 1/4" inch it will move front/back. I just got the boat in Oct 05 so I couldn't tell you the last time the u-joint and bearing was checked. Thanks, Troy<br /><br />AQ125A, volvo penta 270 in 85' 2.1 Bayliner capri

 

[tystick]

Re: I'm getting some bad vibrations

ya got to get good vibrations<br />yes - start with those and go from there.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: I'm getting some bad vibrations

Fortunately, On the Volvo 270, you can take off the upper gear case seperately to check the u-joints. <br /><br />Run the boat with muffs and turn the stern drive hard right or left. If you feel/hear a lot of vibration, your u-joints are probably bad. Gimbal bearing can also cause this.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: I'm getting some bad vibrations

When was the boot changed last? Hope no water intrusion. Joints probably shot, doubt the rear bearing, unless you pull it and find water intrusion. Then probably both (hope for joints only-replacing the bearing will be time and $$)<br />Easy pull. Short version. Pop the back cover that says 270, undo the shift linkage, two bolts on top, two bolts come in from the side underneath, rubber mallet you knock it loose (go easy) and its off. Then check the joints. You will know if one went south. When you get it fixed, boot on first, then the joints and box. Thats the "know how to do it" version. Long version is in a good manual. Good luck

 

[tjstrike]

Re: I'm getting some bad vibrations

Thanks for the replies, I'm going to wait until I get my manual to start tearing anything apart, this is my first boat so I'm alittle unsteady around it.

 

[jurasicjet]

Re: I'm getting some bad vibrations

I have a Mercruiser. I am relatively new to boating and bought my I/O about two years ago (a 1992 Celebrity, 4.3L mercruiser). Had a horrible vibration and almost a 'grinding" sound. Turns out it was the gimbal bearing, but that was bad because of bad bellows. The gimbal bearing was easy compared to those dang bellows. <br />Take your time but be confident, you can do it. Mine runs like a clock now.

 

[tjstrike]

Re: I'm getting some bad vibrations

I pulled my outdrive off today and found the remains of a bearing in my u-joint bellow, was this the gimbal bearing ? My manual does not have a real clear picture as to where the gimbal bearing goes, does it go on the motor/transmission side of the u-joints ? Can somebody send me a picture of where exactly the gimbal bearing goes ?

 

[lilmandavis]

Re: I'm getting some bad vibrations

the bearing is about where the transom is. you will see where the bearing rides on the shaft before the u joints. might ought ta replace the u joints as well. is there evidence of water in there? if so you need bellows.

 

[Don S]

Re: I'm getting some bad vibrations

You have lost the intermediate bearing in the engine bellhousing. No such thing as a gimbal bearing in the older Volvo's.<br />Time to pull the engine and replace the bearing, possibly the shaft and the bellhousing depending on how much damage was done.<br />That thing had to be noisy for a very long time before it finally got to the stage of bearings falling out. Even the seal is gone.

 

[tjstrike]

Re: I'm getting some bad vibrations

No, the first time I noticed it was on my way back to the boat ramp the last time I used the boat, is there not another way to replace the bearing without pulling the motor, I don't have that type of resources available to me ?