U-joint bellow popped off

[79Invader]

Hello guys I have a 1990 sea ray with the 5.0 mercruiser. I unwinterized it and noticed the u-joint bellow has popped off the transom side. Is it possible to slide it back on and tighten the clamp without paying someone to pull the outdrive? Anything else I should know? I’m not very familiar with I/O’s I’m more of an outboard guy. Thanks in advance.

 

[tank1949]

Hello guys I have a 1990 sea ray with the 5.0 mercruiser. I unwinterized it and noticed the u-joint bellow has popped off the transom side. Is it possible to slide it back on and tighten the clamp without paying someone to pull the outdrive? Anything else I should know? I’m not very familiar with I/O’s I’m more of an outboard guy. Thanks in advance.

ss clamp may have snapped. I suspect a Alpha drive. Regardless, it is time for some maintenance and pull drive. Make sure before you do to test trim switches. Hopefully, it popped off while in storage or pay someone to do maintenance. Good luck!

 

[MightyEsquilax]

79Invader, as tank said unfortunately you'll have to pull the drive and bell housing off. It's not too difficult but you will need a hinge pin tool for the bell housing. Mercury Marine/Mercruiser New OEM HINGE PIN TOOL 91-78310 $20 or so on Amazon/Ebay

The Mercruiser procedure for replacing the bellows is pretty straightforward. You'll need to clean off the old bellows adhesive from the surface on the gimbal housing good with a wire brush and acetone. You will also need new bellows adhesive on the transom side of the bellows. The metal sleeve ring on the front of the u-joint bellows is pretty easy to install without the Mercruiser sleeve tool. Don S has a great tip by using a quick spray of brake cleaner on the bellow then inserting the ring. It has worked for me everytime!

Good luck!

 

[79Invader]

Just sucks big time. These are relatively new bellows and show 0 signs of dry rotting or cracking. They look new still. Any tips to pulling the outdrive? Will I need any gaskets? I’m pretty mechanical but like I said I’ve never messed with an I/O before. Thanks guys appreciate it.

 

[nola mike]

Pulling the outdrive is a 5 minute job. Should be part of your yearly maintenance. Grease ujoints and check alignment while you're there, and check gimbal bearing. You'll need an alignment tool (eBay). You don't need the hinge pin tool, 8 mm Allen wrench (+heat) works fine.

 

[79Invader]

Update: took the outdrive off after watching a few YouTube videos and was able to clean the bellow up and put some bellow adhesive on there. New clamp and snugged it up. Greased U-Joints and changed lower until oil. Should be ready for the season. Thanks again.