U-joint c-clips

[atistang]

my mercruiser manual says if you hear slight u-joint knocking to instal this kit which consists of 8 c-clips. the part number is 53-12067A1. I just put a gimbal bearing in and now i noticed that my u-joints will make a knocking noise if i am at full turn or trimmed up very high. When i had the drive off i checked them out, they were smooth and barley had any side to side movement. i figured they would be fine.

i went to the boat shop to order these clips and when they looked up the part number they told me you can't get the clips anymore. so is there a reason they quit selling the kit?

 

[Bondo]

Re: U-joint c-clips

and barley had any side to side movement.

Ayuh,... They're Worn,...
Replace the complete u-joints...

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: U-joint c-clips

either that or the gimbal bearing is not seated fully.

 

[kpiazzisi]

Re: U-joint c-clips

I am having the same exact problem. I only have the noise at full left or right turning. What I have noticed on many forums that irritates the crap out of me , is that people who post are very quick to recommend the fix that cost the most amount of money. Why stop at having this OP replace the u-joint. Why not replace the whole outdrive....that will work. Here is the original posting from the mercruiser manual.

If you encounter a MerCruiser I-R/I-MR sterndrive
with a U-joint knocking or vibrating problem when
turning or trimming, the problem may be caused by
excessive side-to-side play in the U-joint cross and
bearing assemblies. Replace standard cross and
bearing assembly C-rings with C-ring Kit
53-12067A1.

From what I have read, removing the u-joint requires a bearing retainer wrench. I bet the OP does not have one of these. More then likely he has already broken down and paid some marine mechanic several hundred dollars for something he may have been able to fix in a few minutes with a couple of hand tools and a five dollar kit.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: U-joint c-clips

Unless the gimbal bearing is in good condition and has not been replaced prior to the knocking, then suspect the U joints as worn. 53-12067A1 gives you 8 clips with a curved end to pull the cap ina bit.
A quick service fix instead of replacing a worn part.

 

[achris]

Re: U-joint c-clips

[size=+1]This thread is a year old... Please don't write in old threads, start your own....[/size]

 

[NHGuy]

Re: U-joint c-clips

Oops skip. Old thread.