1996 Bravo 3 Aluminum ring for u-joint bellows

[krf417]

Can anyone tell me if the aluminum ring that fits into the u-joint bellow(gimbal bearing bellow) is
necessary on a 1996 Bravo 3 outdrive? Has been impossible to install. Any advice is appreciated..
Thank you!!

 

[Scott06]

Can anyone tell me if the aluminum ring that fits into the u-joint bellow(gimbal bearing bellow) is
necessary on a 1996 Bravo 3 outdrive? Has been impossible to install. Any advice is appreciated..
Thank you!!

It is what holds/seals the bellows to the bellhousing so yes it is quite necessary. Merc makes a tool to install it , and most folks use merc power tune sprayed on it to make it slick as 'ell.

I used a storm water grate piece (fits in a female pipe fitting) pushing it with a 5 lb mallet (BFH) to seat mine... took some cursing, some power tune, some beer and a second set of hands to hold the bellhousing at the right angle to keep the bellows lip in the groove...

 

[krf417]

It is what holds/seals the bellows to the bellhousing so yes it is quite necessary. Merc makes a tool to install it , and most folks use merc power tune sprayed on it to make it slick as 'ell.

I used a storm water grate piece (fits in a female pipe fitting) pushing it with a 5 lb mallet (BFH) to seat mine... took some cursing, some power tune, some beer and a second set of hands to hold the bellhousing at the right angle to keep the bellows lip in the groove...

Thank you, I do have the tool, had a few beers and BFH'd it with a helper...Try it again with some cursing!!! Appreciate the advice, Thanks again!

 

[Bondo]

Thank you, I do have the tool, had a few beers and BFH'd it with a helper...Try it again with some cursing!!! Appreciate the advice, Thanks again!

Ayuh,..... Get a can of Quicksilver Power Tune, 'n squirt abit on the rubber,....
The ring will go in, Much Easier,.....