New U-joints feel like they are binding

[96lt4c4]

I just replaced both yokes and both U-joints. The short yoke on the drive had a groove in it causing an oil leak. I bought both yokes from this site, made by Mallory. They both look to be beefier than the OEM. I bought the U-joints from Advance Auto, they are made by Brute Force. Another member gave me the part number for the joints. They went in no problem.

I took the boat out this weekend and at low speed with the drive all the way down, if I turn the wheel sharp in either direction it feels like the joints are binding. With the trim up a little at cruising speed I cant feel any binding. I haven't replaced the gimbal bearing because it has never been wet and seems to feel good. I am really getting tired of pulling this drive off. Anybody else use these u-joints?

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: New U-joints feel like they are binding

I installed them and it seems they vibrate more then the stock 18 year old ones I took off. The crossed with the merc part numbers and they were a perfect fit. My gimbal is origional but silky smooth and my alignment bar slid in and out with ease of 2 fingers. I didnt have any vibration last year. I dont know if I should switch back to the merc ones or not. I cant really see these being bad. hmm

Update, I took the boat out tongiht with some peeps including a merc tech I know. He says the boat feels perfect and that since i have a exhaust tube now, it makes alot more noise on plane and I'm not used to the droning of the motor. As silly as it seems I put some ear plugs in and it felt back to normal. People may think I am crazy but it seems the noise effected the way I though tthe boat felt.

 

[96lt4c4]

Re: New U-joints feel like they are binding

I have the tube too not the bellow . A buddy of mine was on the dock at the Marina and heard me take off out of the no wake zone, he said it sounded awesome.

Anyway, I really dont feel anything at full speed or cruising speed. I only feel it with the drive all the way down and just off idle, around 1500 - 2000 RPM while turning the wheel all the way to the right or left. I guess I am going to pull the drive again to see if I can find anything.

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: New U-joints feel like they are binding

Could be something in the steering too since you said you were having trouble with that before.

 

[96lt4c4]

Re: New U-joints feel like they are binding

The steering problem is gone. It doesnt happen with the boat in the water. I am pretty sure this is something in the driveline.

 

[96lt4c4]

Re: New U-joints feel like they are binding

I pulled my drive off yesterday to see if I could see any obvious problems. The only thing I found was that the new yoke I put in the outdrive is wider then the factory one. About .010. I think the u-joint at the yoke is moving from side to side and not staying centered.

I may need this C clip kit.
I bought the yoke from this site. It was a Mallory part.

Anyone seen any problems with these