ALPHA ONE U-JOINT REPLACEMENT

[bankermike]

I think I have a u-joint going bad in my 91 Alpha One.
I get some "knocking" with motor trimmed up high at low speed. It seems worse in reverse and it disappears in foward with drive all the way down.
Is this in fact a u-joint problem? How do I make sure? Is this a job I can do myself? Any links to a service manual?

Thanks

Michael

 

[Bondo]

Re: ALPHA ONE U-JOINT REPLACEMENT

It Sounds like a U-Joint,.........

They Can be a Real Bugger,..... But Doable........

 

[thunder219]

Re: ALPHA ONE U-JOINT REPLACEMENT

I have the same problem and called the dealer just to get some prices and I got anywhere from 475 to 700 to replace u-joints,gimble bearing, and water impeller. I looked up the parts and it will be around 200 to 250 so I am going to let the dealer do it because I dont have all the tools or the time until later in the spring.

 

[bankermike]

Re: ALPHA ONE U-JOINT REPLACEMENT

If I decide to do it myself, should I also do the gimble bearing?
I've put u-joints in auto and tractor drive shafts. Other than disassembly, is this job much different? How do I find out what part #s I need? I want to be as prepared as possible before I dive into this.
Are there any internet sites where I can get part #s or an exploded view of the area in question?

Thanks

Michael

 

[SuperNova]

Re: ALPHA ONE U-JOINT REPLACEMENT

The easiest way to tell if it's the u-joints is just start it up, trim it down(in) and turn it lock to lock. The u-joints will click at the extreme left and right. If it doesn't it is probably something else. If you decide to do the u-joints yourself and you have experience with regular drive shaft joints this should be fairly easy for you. It is a double cardan style joint which requires a little more finesse than just a single set up, but very doable. And I would do the gimbal bearing at the same time. It is just pressed in. A slide hammer with a foot will remove it just like doing rear axle bearings and a longer tube of the correct diameter will re-install with a few taps from a hammer. You just have to pay attention to the orientation of the grease hole. I don't think you'll have any problem if you have any mechanical ability at all and some basic handtools. ebasicpower.com is a good source for the parts you need and excellent prices. They may even have some exploded views, or get the mercruiser manual.