Volvo SX outdrive U joint assembly

[cleanEG]

Hi Guys,

Just bought this 2000 Glastron 195 SX with the Volvo Penta 5.0GL and SX outdrive. Boat mechanic is recommending to replace the U joint / Drive assembly due to some rust seen on the U joint assembly. I took a picture of it and I'm not sure it really needs to be replaced. What is your opinion? I understand some water made it's way in through the cracked bellow, but it doesnt look like the metal is going to break. Thanks for your help!!

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gDBBfrH9JhQ/T9DOY7YEalI/AAAAAAAAGi0/cqqT0xHiZKE/s640/sterndrive-ujoint-assembly.jpg

 

[cr2k]

Re: Volvo SX outdrive U joint assembly

If the u-joints are smooth and not stiff just give them a shot of grease. If way loose and/or rough replace them. Surface rust won't damage your u-joints but indicates to examine further.

 

[cleanEG]

Re: Volvo SX outdrive U joint assembly

If the u-joints are smooth and not stiff just give them a shot of grease. If way loose and/or rough replace them. Surface rust won't damage your u-joints but indicates to examine further.

Thanks for the response -- I went by and checked the ujoints again and they do not feel smooth like they should be so for peace of mind I'll bite the bullet and replace it. Hopefully with routine maintenance I wont need to replace it again....

 

[Reel-hip]

Re: Volvo SX outdrive U joint assembly

With mine (280) there is not alot of maintenance that is able to be done in the boat. I replaced the u joints and the bellow since I had the motor out anyway. If water got into the bellow make sure the new one fits right and watch the hose clamps to see that they don't rub on the bellow causing a leak
.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo SX outdrive U joint assembly

With water in the bellows, you can bet money the gimbal bearing needs to be replaced too.
Pulling the outdrive, checking for water in the bellows, alignment, greasing the couple splines is yearly maintenance. Bellows should be replaced after 5 years.

 

[cleanEG]

Re: Volvo SX outdrive U joint assembly

Thanks Don -- I had the shop replace the gimbal bearing, drive shaft/u joint assembly, exhaust bellows, u joint bellows, shift cable, impeller, water separator filter, gear oil, engine oil, align outdrive, adjust idle, etc. After taking her out on the water, I noticed a small leak from the circulation pump shaft seal and a whine noise at low rpm. I replaced the circulation pump (volvo OEM part), gaskets, and while on the muffs there are no leaks. I kept the original drive shaft/u joint assembly and I'd like to find a shop to rebuild it for me as a spare. Thanks for everyone's input on this.