u-joint bellow failure in ~2 seasons (pic)

[Uraijit]

Re: u-joint bellow failure in ~2 seasons (pic)

U joints are cheap and easy, might as well replace them while you got the drive out. IMHO.

Just the way I like my women...

 

[fishmen111]

Re: u-joint bellow failure in ~2 seasons (pic)

What tools did you use to install it? Did you use an OEM expander, or did you just wing it? What I am wondering is if it could have been cut internally during installation. Not enough to tear immediately, just later. $.02.

 

[mcleaves]

Re: u-joint bellow failure in ~2 seasons (pic)

deleted.. Misread his equipment..
M

 

[erikgreen]

Re: u-joint bellow failure in ~2 seasons (pic)

Just the way I like my women...

Out? Or melted and torn?

 

[Uraijit]

Re: u-joint bellow failure in ~2 seasons (pic)

Out? Or melted and torn?

No, used while the drive is tilted up!

Oh, and replaced every ~2 years

 

[Liquid_force]

Re: u-joint bellow failure in ~2 seasons (pic)

What tools did you use to install it? Did you use an OEM expander, or did you just wing it? What I am wondering is if it could have been cut internally during installation. Not enough to tear immediately, just later. $.02.

I read through my OMC manual as I installed it. I don't recall any special tools being required. The transom connection is a pretty easy slip fit with a standard hose clamp securing it.

 

[Liquid_force]

Re: u-joint bellow failure in ~2 seasons (pic)

Seriously by the pic, looks like the rubber could be both melted and tore.

I don't see any signs of melting.

The discoloration around the clamp surface just looks like an oil stain to me.

 

[Liquid_force]

Re: u-joint bellow failure in ~2 seasons (pic)

The new one has been delivered. I'm just going to be extra careful during installation and make sure nothing's binding before I put it in the water.

 

[PSS-Mag]

Re: u-joint bellow failure in ~2 seasons (pic)

I don't see any signs of melting.

The discoloration around the clamp surface just looks like an oil stain to me.

Could be hard to tell from a pic.

But yea I'd check, ujoints, gimbal bearing and engine coupler for excessive wear. Engine coupler will be the hardest but if you shine a flashlight from the back you can get a good idea of whats going on in there that way. It's the least likely culprit anyway, but it could be a victim/future problem if gimbal bearing or ujoints go out. Have to pull the engine to change it. Been there done that,don't want to do it again if I can avoid it.

I can also tell you when the engine coupler goes out, your sitting in the water going no where fast. You'll think you blew your prop hub until smoke from the burning rubber comes out of the bilge behind the engine.