u-joint

R

Richard74

Cadet
Joined
Sep 10, 2008
Messages
12
Can anyone tell me the best way I can tell if the u-joint is gone with out taking everything a part? It makes a grinding sound when I put it in to drive
 
L

lombard

Seaman
Joined
Jun 26, 2008
Messages
62
Re: u-joint

Without more info (year/make/model) about your drive, it'll be hard to get a good answer. My guess is that it's not your U-joint, as that's spinning any time the engine is running. The "transmission" is typically in the lower unit of your outdrive, and would be the first place I look for noises when putting it in gear.

Disclaimer...I'm new to boat maintenance/repair, and my limited knowledge is currently limited to Mercruiser Alpha 1 Gen 2 I/O's
 
6

6MISFITZ

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 16, 2001
Messages
290
Re: u-joint

A tiny bit of grinding when shifting from neutral into reverse or drive is normal but agree with Lombard, need more information to be more accurate.

The gimbal or universal bearing in our old OMC Cobra outdrive could be heard getting louder and louder every year (despite the required grease and servicing) and we replaced it one winter and the difference was night and day.

It was more of a growling noise getting louder (even more so after the rubber boot failed near the end of the 01 season) than a grinding noise. If you hear nothing but grinding then something needs inspection sooner than later because things get expensive if you break down on the water.

Please be careful,
Mike.
 
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