Mercruiser 165 Outdrive noise

[seashark]

This spring I replaced the outdrive bellows and gimbal bearing as I noticed a grinding sound when turning and water in the outdrive gear lube. Everything sounded great to start but now I am hearing a clicking noise from the outdrive. I only hear it at lower rpms when turning. Does this mean the u-joints also need to be replaced? I did grease the u-joints before the outdrive was reinstalled. Thanks!

 

[Gene70]

Re: Mercruiser 165 Outdrive noise

More than likely you need to change both u-joints. Make sure your engine is lined up. It does take a special tool to do this.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 165 Outdrive noise

Pull the outdrive and look for water in the bellows. Wouldn't be the first to get fixed improperly and leak the second time.

 

[seashark]

Re: Mercruiser 165 Outdrive noise

Pulled the outdrive and there was water in the bellows. I will have to redo the bellows with new gimbal bearing. Since the drive is off how do you check the u-joints to determine if they need replacing?

 

[rockyman]

Re: Mercruiser 165 Outdrive noise

check for any slop in the normal movement of the u-joints and inspect each cup for bearing lose and also if they are rusted up would be a good ideal to go ahead and replace it while you got the drive off.