U-joint replacement on Mercruiser Alpha One

[drpepper68]

I've been searching for a video (preferred) or instructions on replacing my u-joints on my outdrive on my Mercruiser Alpha One but cant find much help on it. I got the first one off with a vise pretty easily but cant get the other off thats closest to the spanner nut. I dont want to remove the entire shaft assembly. Can anyone help me or point me to a video or instructions on this? Also not sure how to put the new ones in.

Thanks,
Allen

 

[Alumarine]

Not sure about the Alpha ones but on the older models if you grind down 2 of the tangs on the spanner nut a BIT you can replace that ujoint.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Using an inexpensive press makes it lots easier. And like Marc said, grind just enough off a couple corners for clearance.

Rick

 

[drpepper68]

yeah they have a press at harborfright I was eyeing... First one was easy and last one seems easy except wont make it past. I'll try grinding two opposite tangs down.

Do I just tap them in with a rubber mallet?
I'm guessing the spanner nut has a torque value? I'll try to find it in the manual.

 

[Alumarine]

Tapping only works well if you have the proper support on the other side.
The tool works best. A C clamp and a socket works well.

Torque for my MC1 is 200 ft lbs.
Here's a link to an online manual.

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...es-outdrives/295720-adults-only-no-exceptions

 

[Rick Stephens]

I bought, years ago, a ball/ujount press. Had to take a short piece of thin wall tubing and trim it to clear to press out the caps closest to the bearingynut.

You use the press to push the new caps back on as well.

Rick

 

[drpepper68]

Ah ok I was thinking I just hammer them in. Good thing I asked. There's SO much to boat repair I am starting to get overwhelmed. I found a youtube video on most everything except this. Next is my shift cable, then bellows. I think I will need a drink or two before I tackle that else I'm going to pull my hair out and its already thin enough.

I was thinking this would work:
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-ton-a-frame-bench-shop-press-1666.html

Thanks for the help Rick and Marc.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

be very careful not to loose any needle bearings... try to adjust the ujoint so it splits the difference between the two and keep them needle bearings in place....

I've been eyeing that HF 20-ton press for about 2-years now... just have to clear a spot for it and I'm pulling the trigger....

 

[Rick Stephens]

I've been eyeing that HF 20-ton press for about 2-years now... just have to clear a spot for it and I'm pulling the trigger....

Yer gonna hafta let us know where you live so we can drop by with the odd project.

 

[NHGuy]

A ball joint press is a great thing to have around the shop. If you can't pay for one get one at the auto parts store on loan. As said before, push in the caps a bit and then remove the c clip. Then with a socket push out the cap from the other side.
And I disagree, you CAN get the cross near the nut off, it takes a keen eye for where there's room.

I don't know why eric wants those old needle bearings. They are part of what's being changed.

If you are still foggy on a method go look at ujoint videos on youtube. Lots there,

 

[Alumarine]

Be careful using a hydraulic press.
They work very well but if something doesn't line up quite right or binds, you can't "feel" it, and may break something.

 

[drpepper68]

be very careful not to loose any needle bearings... try to adjust the ujoint so it splits the difference between the two and keep them needle bearings in place....

I've been eyeing that HF 20-ton press for about 2-years now... just have to clear a spot for it and I'm pulling the trigger....

If you live in TX near me you should pull the trigger then call me and I'll bring over some beer and my outdrive.
I'm trying to keep from getting overwhelmed on all the jobs I have. It helps motivate me when I call the marine shop and they tell me how much they charge for things.

 

[drpepper68]

A ball joint press is a great thing to have around the shop. If you can't pay for one get one at the auto parts store on loan. As said before, push in the caps a bit and then remove the c clip. Then with a socket push out the cap from the other side.
And I disagree, you CAN get the cross near the nut off, it takes a keen eye for where there's room.

I don't know why eric wants those old needle bearings. They are part of what's being changed.

If you are still foggy on a method go look at ujoint videos on youtube. Lots there,

I think Eric means keep the needle bearings on the new u-joints is the way I took it...

I searched youtube quite a bit for mercruiser u-joint replacement videos but couldnt find anything. A bunch of car ones is all. I was surprised since I use youtube to learn everything.

I think I'm going to use the C clamp method since it resembles the actual tool the closest.

 

[NHGuy]

Oh, I meant the car/truck videos. U joints are the same item. There are just two on each shaft.