U-joint seized into gimbal bearing

[harrysan425]

In a nutshell, hole in bellows, salt water sat in there for at least a year. Removed outdrive by cutting the u-joint. Now other end of u-joint stuck. Any ideas how I can free it? See pics. Volvo penta dp-sm

 

[BRICH1260]

Looks like you are going to have to try to secure a rope/cable to the portion remaining and give it a big pull, perhaps with a come along or something that can supply similar force.

 

[harrysan425]

Theoretically, it’s suppose to slide right out correct? Nothing suppose to be holding it in place like it is now?

 

[alldodge]

Hey @Scott Danforth or @kenny nunez

 

[Bt Doctur]

gimbal bearing is rusted too ,it will come out with the shaft.
cable and come-along or chain hoist
worst case, cut the shaft behind engine, pull engine ,drive out shaft and bearing

 

[Lou C]

Hope you get it. One reason why I pull the drive at the end of the season every year. Looks like it was never left in the water either just a leaky bellows.

 

[Lou C]

Theoretically, it’s suppose to slide right out correct? Nothing suppose to be holding it in place like it is now?

The u-joint shaft is rusted into the gimble bearing and that bearing is likely rusted into the gimble housing. In addition the driveshaft may be rusted into the coupler splines. Might have to soak that gimble in penetrating oil for several days before trying to remove. May need to very carefully heat the aluminum around the gimble bearing to break the corrosion bond.

 

[Scott Danforth]

someone skipped the annual PM (Preventative Maintenance)

two methods:

• try to hammer it inward a bit to break loose the rust. hook a chain on to the u-joint and a local tree and yank it out (or a hydraulic ram and pull it out). then fix what is broken (gimbal bearing, housing, etc.)
• soak it with penetrating oil, lightly tapping and heating and pulling. about 3 weeks later, hook a chain on to it and a local tree and yank it out. then fix what is broken (gimbal bearing, housing, etc.)

the drive will also need to come apart to change the rusty input shaft as that is eating your input shaft seals. you cant clean that rust enough to re-use the input shaft.

 

[Lou C]

If it really won’t come I have heard of people having to cut the driveshaft where it goes into the coupler with a sawzall. Then pull the engine to replace the coupler…
personally once I’d fixed this I’d seriously consider not ever owning an I/O again unless you’re willing to pull the drive every year without fail and do the maintenance.
That includes all inspecting the bellows for cracks each year and replacing as soon as you see small cracks in the folds. To be fair though this can happen on outboards too.

 

[alldodge]

cut the drive shaft with a sawzall?
Don't think there is enough blades or time to do that

 

[dypcdiver]

Remove the pivot housing and then see if you can get a length of chain secured to the remains of the UJ. then a slide hammer or wrap the chain around the head of a sledge hammer and use that as something to jerk it out of the Gimbal bearing or even bring the Gimbal bearing out with it. If you are lucky the splined end might not be too corroded into the flywheel coupling.

 

[Lou C]

cut the drive shaft with a sawzall?
Don't think there is enough blades or time to do that

ask Kenny I think he may have had to do that...

 

[kenny nunez]

It is possible to cut the shaft and it may be possible that the shaft is bound up in the drive coupling. I have had to use a cutting torch while my assistant kept a garden hose going at the same time.
If you grab the joint with pliers is it possible to feel some slack in the splines.
If so then pull the engine and you can drive the shaft out from inside, that is another way I have had to get one out after the shaft had broken next to the bearing.

 

[Scott Danforth]

The chain and tree are looking better and better compared to cutting the shaft....lol

 

[harrysan425]

someone skipped the annual PM (Preventative Maintenance)

two methods:

• try to hammer it inward a bit to break loose the rust. hook a chain on to the u-joint and a local tree and yank it out (or a hydraulic ram and pull it out). then fix what is broken (gimbal bearing, housing, etc.)
• soak it with penetrating oil, lightly tapping and heating and pulling. about 3 weeks later, hook a chain on to it and a local tree and yank it out. then fix what is broken (gimbal bearing, housing, etc.)

the drive will also need to come apart to change the rusty input shaft as that is eating your input shaft seals. you cant clean that rust enough to re-use the input shaft.

Sure did, I never pulled the drive ever. I just assumed if it was leaking into the boat then its time to change. (It never leaked) I only used it 3 times last year then i packed it up for the winter not knowing. Summer came around and i started to hear the gimbal bearing noise. Pulled the drive off along with Salt Water that has been sitting in there for a year. Costly Mistake.

 

[harrysan425]

The u-joint shaft is rusted into the gimble bearing and that bearing is likely rusted into the gimble housing. In addition the driveshaft may be rusted into the coupler splines. Might have to soak that gimble in penetrating oil for several days before trying to remove. May need to very carefully heat the aluminum around the gimble bearing to break the corrosion bond.

yeah, thats the plan. I m going to try and work it for a couple of weeks. (Salmon season for me is over this year) Worst case ill have to give it a little tug with my truck.

 

[Lou C]

If you’re going to keep the boat get a drive jack & an alignment tool to make your life easy. This way you can avoid problems

 

[alldodge]

I remove the drive and place on a stand at the end of every season. Helps with checking gimbal, boot and joints. Also big help with boots because they are in a relaxed position, they last much longer this way

 

[harrysan425]

I remove the drive and place on a stand at the end of every season. Helps with checking gimbal, boot and joints. Also big help with boots because they are in a relaxed position, they last much longer this way

Yes, thats something i will do.

 

[harrysan425]

If you’re going to keep the boat get a drive jack & an alignment tool to make your life easy. This way you can avoid problems

I' plan on keeping it for a few more years then I'm getting an outboard from now on. Cruisers with outboards are $$$$