I need some help w/ a u joint bellows issue on my DP-SM, p/n 386-8913 w/ transom asbly SX-MBAC. Last year I did a bellow service (using OEM volvo bellows) to replace the original (2005) bellows. The rubber was deteriorated externally, but intact, and no water intrusion, etc. I followed the factory svc manual with the exception of 1 step. I couldn't locate any Volvo Penta Gasket Sealing Compound that was called for (discontinued according to several sources). I had found on the forum at some point that some used permatex to replace this, and some put the bellows on dry. I used the permatex after thoroughly cleaning the mating surface of the transom assembly, and confirmed several times that the ridge on the bellows was in the groove on the transom assembly. I had also seen a service bulletin posted by the late Don about over tightening the bellows clamp, and I have no torque spec for the clamp, but I could see the bellow distorting w/ only light tightening torque, so I stopped tightening at that point (much lighter than I would have preferred for a radiator hose clamp, etc). I also replaced all the o rings/etc while I had the drive off, as well as alignment. Fast forward a year, and I pulled the drive last night, and the bellows are full of rusty water. I can see no evidence of water intrusion from the rear of the bellows (nose of the drive), so I'm assuming at this point it came from the clamp side of things (it was late and started raining so further investigation is pending).
At this point I will replace the gimbal bearing, new oem bellows (again) and the ujoints (they feel fine, but better safe than sorry) and drive oil (hopefully not full of water). I am trying to figure out what went wrong w/ the bellows install. Should I use the dreaded bellows adhesive? silicone? nothing? Any thoughts or ideas would be helpful. I am reasonably mechanically adept and am disappointed this has happened and want to ensure it doesn't occur again.
Thanks.
At this point I will replace the gimbal bearing, new oem bellows (again) and the ujoints (they feel fine, but better safe than sorry) and drive oil (hopefully not full of water). I am trying to figure out what went wrong w/ the bellows install. Should I use the dreaded bellows adhesive? silicone? nothing? Any thoughts or ideas would be helpful. I am reasonably mechanically adept and am disappointed this has happened and want to ensure it doesn't occur again.
Thanks.