Bravo 3 u-joint bellows spring

[Leardriver]

When is the correct time to reinstall the spring that holds the walls out on the u-joint bellows?
After securing the transom side of the replacement bellows?
Before securing to the transom side?
After the bellows is completely in and the front retaining sleeve is installed?
I have service manual 28, and the procedure starts on page 4B-30, and the spring is never shown in the exploded diagram or discussed.
2007 drive OW922375, engine OW660526 496 Mag.

 

[Bt Doctur]

because the spring is NEVER removed for installation

 

[Leardriver]

So the new bellows, which is enroute, has a new spring already in it and ready to install as is? That's the answer that I want to be true.
I watched some videos, and some of them said to remove the spring to help with removal of the old bellows, but I have the ring off, and it couldn't be any easier to remove or install.

 

[Bondo]

So the new bellows, which is enroute, has a new spring already in it and ready to install as is? That's the answer that I want to be true.
I watched some videos, and some of them said to remove the spring to help with removal of the old bellows, but I have the ring off, and it couldn't be any easier to remove or install.

Ayuh,..... The spring should be imbedded in the rubber of the bellows,....

 

[pursuit2460]

Ayuh,..... The spring should be imbedded in the rubber of the bellows,....

Imbedded, as in molded with the bellow rubber? I just removed my bellow and no idea if it's OEM or aftermarket, but the spring was just in there. I was able to pull it out. The new Sierra bellow I have is also this way.
I am currently dealing with Bravoitis and while I am in there, I am also doing the gimbal bearing. For those that dont know, Sierra is the same bearing as the Mercruiser bearing and cheaper.