U-Joint Lubrication

[rad1026]

I finished up the bellows on my Alpha 1, Gen 1 this past weekend and when I put the drive back on I noticed the U-Joints do not have any grease fittings. This is a brand new upper drive unit, Mercruiser, purchased last season. I did notice there were what looked like plugs in the body of the U-Joints. Is this plug removable in order to install grease fittings? Is this something I should do, or are the U-Joints sealed and I shouldn't mess with them? Thanks for the help.

I Appreciate all the info on replacing the bellows by the way! It went pretty smooth, although you are all correct when you say it is a PITA!!

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: U-Joint Lubrication

Yes you should add grease fittings where the plugs are, and yes you should add grease.

 

[rad1026]

Re: U-Joint Lubrication

well dang it! Why don't they just make it that way to begin with. For the cost of the stupid plugs they could just put in fittings, duhhh. I was planing on dropping my outdrive after Memorial weekend just to make sure I did a good job with the bellows. I'll add the fitting then. Thanks!