replacing u-joint bellows

[william haynes]

I need help replacing the u-joint bellows on my 1975 mercruiser mr. I took the outdrive off and bought all the bellows to put on. The u-joint bellows seems too big and there is no up,aft, down etc on the bellows. Just the clips on each end and there are some flat spots on each side of the bellows. Don't know what they are for. Is there any way you can tell which is up, aft etc? This is a pre alpha. I don't want to take the bell housing off. I know that can be a real headache driving the pins out etc. Is it possible I have the wrong bellows? I have twin engines on this boat and have installed all bellows on it. The first set of bellows I bought at the dealer. The second set I bought on e-bay. The u-joint bellows just seems too big and stiff. I have soaked it in hot water and streched it out as much as possible. I don't think it really streched at all. Like I said I replaced the bellows on the other outdrive. Not easy but at least possible. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: replacing u-joint bellows

I need help replacing the u-joint bellows on my 1975 mercruiser mr. I took the outdrive off and bought all the bellows to put on. The u-joint bellows seems too big and there is no up,aft, down etc on the bellows. Just the clips on each end and there are some flat spots on each side of the bellows. Don't know what they are for. Is there any way you can tell which is up, aft etc? This is a pre alpha. I don't want to take the bell housing off. I know that can be a real headache driving the pins out etc. Is it possible I have the wrong bellows? I have twin engines on this boat and have installed all bellows on it. The first set of bellows I bought at the dealer. The second set I bought on e-bay. The u-joint bellows just seems too big and stiff. I have soaked it in hot water and streched it out as much as possible. I don't think it really streched at all. Like I said I replaced the bellows on the other outdrive. Not easy but at least possible. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Ayuh,.... No way for Us to know whether you bought the Right bellows, or not...
The old MC-1s do have a flat spot in the bellows..

Changin' the bellows without pullin' the housing is insane as well...

I'd also change the shift cable, at the same time...

 

[Grub54891]

Re: replacing u-joint bellows

The bellow should have the top marked where the clamp is.

 

[william haynes]

Re: replacing u-joint bellows

Just a quick update. I took the bellows to the dealer and he said they were the right bellows. Like I said I did install all the bellows and shift cable on one engine. A little work but not too bad. It just takes two people. What is insane is trying to get the pins out and mushrooming the head. and since the pins are case hardened that can turn into a can of s--t. I have been down that road before. Since I have installed all the bellows on the other outdrive without removing the bell housing I should be able to do the other engine but will need help doing it. Thanks for all the input. I am going to do the other outdrive Saturday. Give my hands a rest. LOL. Bill

 

[william haynes]

Re: replacing u-joint bellows

These are after market bellows and don't have up,down, etc. Just the flat spots on each side that goes toward the transom. The dealer said the flat spots were to keep the bellows from getting hole in them from turning port and starboard. Thank you for the input my friend. I have received a lot of good advice on this site and really appreciate it. Bill