Brand New Alpha 1 Gen 2 Outdrive - Noise when turned hard to port or starboard.

ronbacardi

Recruit
Joined
Jun 12, 2011
Messages
3
Hello,
My Alpha 1 gen 2 outdrive packed it in 2 summers ago. I installed a brand new complete OEM Alpha 1 Gen 2 outdrive along with new gimbal bearing last summer. Checked alignment numerous times and seemed perfect every time. When backing away from the dock I heard this knocking when wheel was turned fully to port or starboard. Noise goes away when turned away from full lock. Drive is trimmed fully down and noise seems to go away when trimmed up slightly off of full down position. The boat is a 1997 Searay 215 EC.
I posted a video below of the noise while on the trailer in neutral. You can hear the knocking each time I turn full over to each side.
Is this the common noise people indicate when turned hard over or is there another issue? I don't recall this noise with my old drive.

Thanks for the help

 

dubs283

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2005
Messages
5,322
Full down/in position creates a bend in the u joints. Same with full trim position based on trim switch setting to within spec, anywhere from roughly 20-21" between centers of the trim ram.

I will say many boats I adjust limit to full spec often cavitate on plane prior to trim limit within spec. I have taken to the idea of less is more given today's hull designs

To OP: you're concern is normal. Hard turns are detrimental to all boats, fortunately it's rare an operator is definitely required to execute this practice. I've found most times I'm turning hard it's when I'm having fun
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
13,446
Pull the drive and check the Double U-joints for any stiffness or 'bump'
 

tank1949

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2013
Messages
1,892
Pull the drive and check the Double U-joints for any stiffness or 'bump'
also check for OD vertical play. If you have up and down play, it will cause issues. And perform a hammer/sound test on transom for rot.
 

ronbacardi

Recruit
Joined
Jun 12, 2011
Messages
3
Full down/in position creates a bend in the u joints. Same with full trim position based on trim switch setting to within spec, anywhere from roughly 20-21" between centers of the trim ram.

I will say many boats I adjust limit to full spec often cavitate on plane prior to trim limit within spec. I have taken to the idea of less is more given today's hull designs

To OP: you're concern is normal. Hard turns are detrimental to all boats, fortunately it's rare an operator is definitely required to execute this practice. I've found most times I'm turning hard it's when I'm having fun
Thanks for the reply - Figured the u-joints were just at their limit and considering everything is brand new OEM but wanted to confirm.
 

ronbacardi

Recruit
Joined
Jun 12, 2011
Messages
3
also check for OD vertical play. If you have up and down play, it will cause issues. And perform a hammer/sound test on transom for rot.
Thanks, I'll take a look at the transom and for any vertical play. The gimbal housing is not new so their may be some play in it.
 
Last edited:

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,954
Ayuh,.... I don't turn that tight, except at idle, for that reason,.....
 
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