Outdrive Joints

SS MAYFLOAT

Admiral
Joined
May 17, 2001
Messages
6,372
I have a 280 Volvo Outdrive, so far it is quiet and smooth. It wasn't used for several years. The lube was clean and free of any metalic particles. The universal joints of the input shaft seemed tight, but free of any binding. During the last time I had it out, I noticed a vibration and somewhat chattering in the outdrive when I turn the outdrive in either direction. It did this when I first started using it, but it happened only when the outdrive was turned to the max in either direction. Now it has started doing this when the outdrive is turned to about 40% in either direction. I feel that this noise and vibration is due to the joints going bad. Can anyone confirm this before I start into the removal of the outdrive? Thanks again for the help :D
 

dick

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 4, 2001
Messages
433
Re: Outdrive Joints

A big gray area here , I don't know anyone who could say it's your u-joints without hearing the noise or seeing the u-j , but here are some other things to check, the u-joints may feel fine but make sure the caps aren't turning in the yokes volvo y-j are prone to this .The other thing to check is the intermediate shaft bearings , you'll have to pull the leg to check this. These are the bearings hold the shaft that connect the u-j to then engine . Let use know what what you find.
 

hondon

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 11, 2001
Messages
1,922
Re: Outdrive Joints

Extended downtime seldom produces good results in most marine products. The fact that you are hearing this and it seems to be getting worse is a credit to you and doe's need your attention.Pull the drive and change the u joints. No fun but if you have ever seen the damage done when these joints let loose,brother you,ll be glad you changed them.
 

ODDD1

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jan 23, 2001
Messages
1,054
Re: Outdrive Joints

I'll climb right on board with these guys, SS...nothin I can add....except now you got one more thing to do this winter..LOL....
 

SS MAYFLOAT

Admiral
Joined
May 17, 2001
Messages
6,372
Re: Outdrive Joints

Thanks guys, I'm glad to know that Volvo had a problem with the bearing caps within the yoke. I hope that isn't the problem, but it is an area to check out. One thing is for sure, and that is when you hear a mechanical sound that is not surpose to be there, you had best shut it down before the $10 dollar repair ends up being a $1,000 plus repair. I'm going to pull the outdrive tonight, will post my findings later. I hope it is :D and not :eek:
 

clanton

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jul 9, 2001
Messages
4,876
Re: Outdrive Joints

If it only does it when on plane, check prop hub for slow slippage, but my first choice would be u-joints.
 
Top