Outdrive noise when turning.

[Mariod]

I've got a new problem. ( never ending)lol. I have a 23 ft cuddy with a 5.7lx mercruiser mated to an alpha 1 gen 2 with a 1.47 ratio. I recently changed the prop from a 19pitch 3 blade to a 17 pitch 4 blade.
Now I have a ratcheting sound from the outdrive in hard turns.
Let me explain. With trim all the way down or up ( not trailer) the sound is very loud.
Anywhere else in between causes the sound to lessen. It is still there, but less noticeable.
Removed drive, inspected gimble and u joint. Gimble is in great condition.
U joint has some play in it but I would say about 1/32th of an inch. Is that normal.
There are no marks on it from hitting anything. The hinge pins ( the ones under the trim senders) do have play. About 1/8th of an inch. Is that normal. Steering is tight with no slop.
Also does anyone know if the ujoint is oem or aftermarket. The stamping says L15N1-1F made in Singapore. I have squeezed the caps with a C clamp and they didn't move.
Basically I don't know where to look anymore. The only thing I haven't looked at were the upper gear set. But I don't think that would change anything.
Any ideas are welcome. Thx

 

[Bt Doctur]

Replace the U joints, there is NO PLAY in a U joint
If you replaced the gimbal bearing it may not be seated all the way in

 

[Mariod]

That is what I am thinking of doing. Would the hinge pins have anything to do with it?

 

[Mariod]

You created a doubt. Just rechecked the gimbal and it is recessed about 1/4 inch inside. thx

 

[scoflaw]

That is what I am thinking of doing. Would the hinge pins have anything to do with it?

Shouldn't be any play there either. You should fix it before something expensive wears out. Might be just the bushings at this point.

 

[QBhoy]

Defo the UJ knocking.

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Regarding ujoint alternates --
I found this on an old post but cannot guarantee results -- Sometimes the body;s must be ground a little for clearances on the yokes or grease fitting locations are not optimal -- Suggest comparing at a local part store with your old parts if you go this route.


Re: U-joint cross reference

Spicer# 5-1306x
rockford# k1306
detroit# 7260
neapco# 1-6300 / 1-6301
precision (moog)# 315g
trw (federal mogul)# 20030 / 20030p

 

[scoflaw]

I can confirm that Spicer number is a direct replacement. Used it on a 2000 Bravo