Removing yoke from alpha 1 gen 1

[lmannyr]

I'm trying to replace the yoke seal...

Using the retainer nut tool, the nut is loose but wont slide all the way off. The merc manual after removing the nut, to just pull the yoke off. Umm...it's not coming out. I gave the yoke a couple of light taps and turned, pulled...nothing...The cap is off..

Any suggestions?

 

[Don S]

Re: Removing yoke from alpha 1 gen 1

Using the retainer nut tool, the nut is loose but wont slide all the way off.

When you pull the bearings and gear out of the housing, if it gets just a little bit crooked, it will hang up. You have to pull it out exactly straight.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Removing yoke from alpha 1 gen 1

you should be able to take the nut all the way out. It is a snug fit when passing over the ujoints.
after you get the nut all the way off try turning the shaft while pulling on it to get it out. I hope you have the drive fastened to a table or stand while your working on it.

 

[bigbob_FTW]

Re: Removing yoke from alpha 1 gen 1

Be sure your drain plugs are out. It will create a vacuum otherwise.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Removing yoke from alpha 1 gen 1

When you pull the bearings and gear out of the housing, if it gets just a little bit crooked, it will hang up. You have to pull it out exactly straight.

It doesn't even move a hair.

 

[Don S]

Re: Removing yoke from alpha 1 gen 1

I'm not sure I quite understand what you are trying to do.
1. you have take the retainer nut loose, then you pull the bearing, yoke, gear, assembly out of the upper housing.
2. Then you remove the nut in the center of the gear that attaches the yoke to the gear.
Which one are you having problems with?
A page number from the OEM service manual would help.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Removing yoke from alpha 1 gen 1

I Just want to remove the ENTIRE U-Joint assembly (gear and all without removing the nut).

I removed the retainer nut. Now the the U-joint assembly should slide right out. But doesn't.

Manual #6, Page 3A-13, step #3.

 

[Don S]

Re: Removing yoke from alpha 1 gen 1

Sometimes they get stuck in there. I often use heat (Propane torch works) to keat the housing area around the bearings to relieve a little of the tightness, corrosion, or whatever. Then tapping with a hammer on the yoke assembly to persuade it to start moving.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Removing yoke from alpha 1 gen 1

Yup...used the admirals hair dryer to heat things up and out it went. Thanks...


Now to replace the oil seal....

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Removing yoke from alpha 1 gen 1

Ha...not so fast....the bearing are shot. When I turn the bearings, it's not smooth. dam.. Also the upper drive shaft has corrosion where the oil seal was shot. I guess I have to replace that too as there won't be a smooth surface to seal upon.

 

[Don S]

Re: Removing yoke from alpha 1 gen 1

Let me guess. water in the bellows at some time? Salt water???

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Removing yoke from alpha 1 gen 1

It could be, the u joints have some rust spots (not completely rusted). When I purchased the boat back in AUG of 08 and changed gear lube, check bellows, etc...I noticed the bellows were looked BRAND NEW.

It's funny though how when the u joint assembly was in the housing, it felt smooth. But when I put my hands on the bearings (when out of the housing), I was able to feel roughness to the bearings.

Sucks...life goes on... Time to start a new thread on replacing the bearings on it.