SX Bellows Change

[Senior B]

I changed my 2002 Volvo SX Drive Bellows Boot this weekend and want to report on the experience. It wasn't bad at all. I didn't remove the Pivot Housing or the Exhaust Bellows. I wanted to remove the exhaust boot, but didn't have the right snap-ring pliers. Did it all from the right side with my son holding the pivot housing up and turned full left. Had to be extra careful with the trim sender harness, the gimbal greese tube, and the grounding straps. One hand through the housing and one on the side and I was able to easily get it on and didn't have to force anything. Removing the exhaust bellows would have made it easier though. I did not use any bellows adhesive/sealant. There was none on the old one. After doing this, seeing the design of the boot and the groove on the Gimbal Housing, I can say that NO amount of sealant or adhesive is going to do any good if the boot isn't seated properly at both ends. If it is done correctly, that glue stuff will give you a warm fuzzy but really serves no purpose.

 

[wkb2460]

Re: SX Bellows Change

Did both of mine two years ago, easiest bellows I ever did.
Sure beats a Merc Change. Did one of those several years ago.
Never again!!

 

[wired1236]

Re: SX Bellows Change

Good to know. I just had my bellows changed last Oct by a shop. It was the first time I had it in since I bought it last Feb so I really wanted someone who knows what's going on to check everything out. New gimbal bearing, lube tube, bellows, and engine alignment all for $500.00. Worth it but it sure would be nice to know how to get all of this done myself next time. The mechanic first told me when he popped off the drive that it seemed that the gimbal bearing was OK but then when I went to get my boat back, he had changed it...for a small fee of course.

Hopefully will only need to check things out and not have to replace anything next year. There's not much information/discussion on the newer SX-M drives here when it comes to doing these types of things.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: SX Bellows Change

wired
are ya nuts?
there is a LOT posted on the SX drives from about 1994 to presant.
just dont confuse it with the SXA.
look about the site, do some forum searches using the search function.
never tried it without removing the ex bellows but.
when installing thge new drive bellows you cant just get it in.
count the convolutions, now there is a word you simply dont use every day, and you will see on the top there is 6 and the bottom 7.
not mentioned in the book but the side with 7 goes down.

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: SX Bellows Change

wired
are ya nuts?
there is a LOT posted on the SX drives from about 1994 to presant.
just dont confuse it with the SXA.
look about the site, do some forum searches using the search function.
never tried it without removing the ex bellows but.
when installing thge new drive bellows you cant just get it in.
count the convolutions, now there is a word you simply dont use every day, and you will see on the top there is 6 and the bottom 7.
not mentioned in the book but the side with 7 goes down.

Care to show some of them. Ive tried simply searching for 'SX' and nothing comes up. Volvo SX brings up a bunch of stuff but its for other drives.

 

[wired1236]

Re: SX Bellows Change

wired
are ya nuts?
there is a LOT posted on the SX drives from about 1994 to presant.
just dont confuse it with the SXA.
look about the site, do some forum searches using the search function.
never tried it without removing the ex bellows but.
when installing thge new drive bellows you cant just get it in.
count the convolutions, now there is a word you simply dont use every day, and you will see on the top there is 6 and the bottom 7.
not mentioned in the book but the side with 7 goes down.

Not nuts, just have spent a lot of time looking around for late model SX-M drive basic stuff. There are a lot of discussions like "how do I change my oil" or "why is there milky stuff in there when I drain it". Not to downplay such inquiries as I am a believer in the fact that there are no stupid questions, just stupid answers. But what I really want to know what's really involved in specifically checking/changing the bellows and doing the yearly pull off and check of this SPECIFIC model beyond what the manual states. That's why this post stuck out at me. I am a member of some Motorcycle forums too and this one has got them way beat as far as knowedge and available information. I was just giving him pat on the back and I'll leave it at that.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: SX Bellows Change

DONs has posted extensivly on the SX style drives as well as myself.
luckily its a very solid drive that with basic yearly maint can gor for years.
I usually dont pull the gimbal housing just to change the drive bellows.
you do need to periodically check the lower swivel pin for wear and the bushing for wear.
the commercial guys eat a couple every year.
glad to see your doing the maint though.

 

[Don S]

Re: SX Bellows Change

just have spent a lot of time looking around for late model SX-M drive basic stuff. There are a lot of discussions like "how do I change my oil" or "why is there milky stuff in there when I drain it".

Best thing I could suggest, is if you can't find what you are looking for, then start a new thread and ask what you want to know. It's just that simple.

 

[wkb2460]

Re: SX Bellows Change

The Volvo SX drives aren't as popular as Mercruiser, but they are a dependable unit. Having owned and worked on both, I prefer the Volvo SX, but that's just my preference.