Ujoints lifespan A1 G2

[Stinnett21]

I have a 2002 A1 G2 with 1300 hours (original owner) still has original ujoints. What kind of lifespan can I expect out of these? I realize usage/habits makes a difference but just looking for ballpark expectancy. It's on a 21' open bow, 5.0 MPI, all freshwater, have never had water in bellows. Majority of hours is cruising just on plane. No issues at present. Just wondering if I'm on borrowed time with the ujoints. Thanks

 

[nola mike]

If they're kept greased and no water ever in the bellows they may outlast the engine...

 

[Stinnett21]

Mine are the perma lube style. Seems like I remember a post where someone said plugs could be removed and zerks installed thereby converting them to lube-able. Thanks for your reply!

 

[achris]

Do not try to put nipples in permalube unis! The grease in those joints is 'klug' and costs about $5,000/kg. Pushing new grease in will push it out...

I've had sealed unis and gimbal bearing in my engine since new, 2006, and they are still perfect. An ex-friend still has his 25 year old unis and gimbal bearing... They will not fail at X years just because they're sealed and greased for life.

Will people please stop trying to second guess the manufacturer. You don't like sealed gimbal bearings, you want to put grease nipples in sealed unis, you don't like injection, want to step back 100 years and go back to points noidea and carburettors. This sort of regressive thinking makes me sick!

These things DO make for more reliability and less maintenance. Just leave them be and they will look after you.

Chris....

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Achris -- I see your point and agree--

But please don't ask us to listen to and like newer music :happy:

 

[Stinnett21]

Great to hear. Thanks for the replies as I respect you guys knowledge (rare poster, long time reader).

 

[achris]

Achris -- I see your point and agree--

But please don't ask us to listen to and like newer music :happy:

The music is the same, only it's coming out of a new HiFi system, not a valve powered mantle piece 'wireless' set.

Chris.......

 

[Bondo]

I have a 2002 A1 G2 with 1300 hours (original owner) still has original ujoints. What kind of lifespan can I expect out of these? I realize usage/habits makes a difference but just looking for ballpark expectancy. It's on a 21' open bow, 5.0 MPI, all freshwater, have never had water in bellows. Majority of hours is cruising just on plane. No issues at present. Just wondering if I'm on borrowed time with the ujoints. Thanks

Ayuh,...... Welcome Aboard,....... The Killer of u-joints is of course,.... Water,......

Another thing that can seriously shorten their life is startin' the motor, with the tilt, Full Up,.....
Also usin' Tooo much throttle in full lock tight turns,......

 

[Scott06]

Do not try to put nipples in permalube unis! The grease in those joints is 'klug' and costs about $5,000/kg. Pushing new grease in will push it out...

What do you mean by ' klug' or do u mean Kluber ? Use some kluber as OEM grease on machines at work, good stuff for sure

 

[achris]

When I had my dealership 'permalube' was new. The state rep for Merc told me that information. I have no reason to doubt him.

 

[harringtondav]

Ayuh,...... Welcome Aboard,....... The Killer of u-joints is of course,.... Water,......

Another thing that can seriously shorten their life is startin' the motor, with the tilt, Full Up,.....
Also usin' Tooo much throttle in full lock tight turns,......

Fo sho, fo sho. I see chucklehead hotdogs doing near full power donuts and figure eights. I hurts to watch. That's why I'll never buy a used boat.

 

[Stinnett21]

Yeah we used to tube quick a bit. By tubing I mean serious tubing, whipping side to side, teenagers barely hanging on. I know that was aging the system.