Alpha-1 u-joint question

[rma153]

On an Alpha-1, can you replace just the two cross bearings in the u-joint without removing the whole driveshaft assembly, using that huge $60 merc spanner wrench?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Alpha-1 u-joint question

Welcome to iboats....
To my knowledge no....
To do it properly, you cannot.....​

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha-1 u-joint question

Ayuh,......

It Can be Done......
But,....
You need to grind alittle spot on the Big Castle Nut to allow the U-joint Cap to pass by.......

 

[rma153]

Re: Alpha-1 u-joint question

Thanks! I thought it could be done. That would make it a much simpler task in my opinion to replace your u-joints as soon as they start going. They seem to start to go bad at the same time your gimble bearing goes. So, if you're replacing your gimble bearing you might as well simply replace your u-joints.

So, if I grind the castle nut, will I still be able to use the harbor freight tool on that cross bearing to press the cross bearing out?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=38335

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Alpha-1 u-joint question

RMA, I used my Stilson Wrench to loosen the large nut. I used some clamps, some sockets of the correct size and a vise to press out the old u-joints. Check the surface of the inner yoke where the rubber greas seal rides. If it has a groove, it will soon leak gear oil into your bellows.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Alpha-1 u-joint question

hmmm... id be a bit leary about that set.
i had a buddy last year that had that set, he was doing ball joints on a chevy van. either way the ear that holds the forcing screw broke right off. he called me and said "but i have the same set as you".
i went down to look at it.... he had the "chineese" copy of what i have... not the same at all.
if your pressing just a ujoint.. it may work. but if you order the tool then break it, is it really worth the trouble???
if your looking at a c-press... i can only recomend this one... and it's tough as nails.

http://www.otctools.com/products/detail.php?id=1815

 

[rma153]

Re: Alpha-1 u-joint question

The OTC is $70 ordered over the web and the harbor freight is $29 at the store right near by. I just picked up the harbor freight tonight and used it on my u-joints - works great.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Alpha-1 u-joint question

glad it worked for ya!! =D