U-joint bellow sleeve install

[Boating_Al]

I’m having a hard time installing the sleeve on the u-joint bellow, last week we removed my Bravo II drive and replaced the gimbal bearing and the three bellows (the u-joints were new). Putting the drive back together was no big deal (just took time) until we got to sleeve. We just could not get it to go in, even with sleeve tool (91-81862). It was late last Sunday so we gave up, we be at it again tomorrow….So my question is, any trick to getting this sleeve to go in.


Thanks….

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: U-joint bellow sleeve install

Be sure the groove in the bellhousing is clean so the rib on the bellows fits into the groove properly. A little bit of petroleum jelly on the inside of the bellows and the outside of the ring will help. Oh yea, ya "drive" it in, tapping won't work. Again, be sure the groove is clean.

 

[Don S]

Re: U-joint bellow sleeve install

Go to your Merc dealer and get a can of Power Tune, then spay some on the bellows and the ring, and push it in with your fingers. If it tries to come out, just hold it for a minute or so and it will stay.

 

[Boating_Al]

Re: U-joint bellow sleeve install

Thanks guys…after pounding the s???? out of the sleeve it finally went in…on to my next project, exhaust & riser.

 

[Don S]

Re: U-joint bellow sleeve install

At least you will be happy to know that when you pull the drive next time and find water in the bellows, ujoints, gimbal bearing and drive, you can only blame yourself. You DO NOT have to pound on it at all if you do it properly.

But, it's your money.

 

[Gotsteam]

Re: U-joint bellow sleeve install

At least you will be happy to know that when you pull the drive next time and find water in the bellows, ujoints, gimbal bearing and drive, you can only blame yourself. You DO NOT have to pound on it at all if you do it properly.

But, it's your money.

Not to be mean or anything, but i believe there would of been a more polite way of stating that.

 

[180shabah]

Re: U-joint bellow sleeve install

Gotsteam - you are new here, so I will assume you are not familiar with DonS. He is one of the most knowledgable people on the net in this field. His answers sometimes may be short or even blunt, but we are getting a level of accuracy and helpfullness that cannot be found anywhere else, and he is giving it freely.

If you are looking to be coddled and constantly reminded that you are someone special, then this may not be the best place for you. However, if your skin is a little thicker and you are looking for the best advice and help on the net, then hang around and I think you too, will learn to appreciate DonS and the many other outstanding techs on iboats.

 

[Gotsteam]

Re: U-joint bellow sleeve install

Gotsteam - you are new here, so I will assume you are not familiar with DonS. He is one of the most knowledgable people on the net in this field. His answers sometimes may be short or even blunt, but we are getting a level of accuracy and helpfullness that cannot be found anywhere else, and he is giving it freely.

If you are looking to be coddled and constantly reminded that you are someone special, then this may not be the best place for you. However, if your skin is a little thicker and you are looking for the best advice and help on the net, then hang around and I think you too, will learn to appreciate DonS and the many other outstanding techs on iboats.

Thank you for that information. I am sorry if I upset anyone. I am a young and have pulled a couple outdrives apart and I, myself have had much trouble on this issue, and know where he is coming from. I just believe you can

 

[Gotsteam]

Re: U-joint bellow sleeve install

I am sorry, i did not finish my last post. I admire and am thankful there are as many helpful people there are on this site willing to help other fellow boaters. Sorry for my missunderstanding.