bravo 3 outdrive

[barrowgv]

mercruiser outdrive. when going slow(less than 1500 rpm.) turning to starboard there is a dull knocking that seems to come from the outdrive. no sound if going straight or turning to port. its not a metallic clank. it cant be heard at cruise speed. no sound at idle. any ideas appreciated.

 

[Zackman]

Re: bravo 3 outdrive

Does the knocking sound only happen once as you first make the turn or is it constantly repeating as you're making the turn?​

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: bravo 3 outdrive

Howdy,

Have you pulled the drive to inspect the u-joints, gimbal bearing and yoke?


Regards,


Rick

 

[barrowgv]

Re: bravo 3 outdrive

jackman and HT32BSX115
the knocking is continuos while turning starboard. it stops when going ahead or port.

boat is in water so i cannot check but i plan to find a shallow beach to see if its loose. would the knocking stop if it was the U joint. will it do any harm to operate the boat

 

[45Auto]

Re: bravo 3 outdrive

It's PROBABLY u-joints, and they're PROBABLY bad because they're getting wet (leaking bellows, etc. When is the last time the bellows was changed?). Your best bet is to get the drive pulled and take care of it early. It'll get very expensive when you lose the drive seals, input shaft, etc. Not to mention if the u-joint lets go and rips up the back end of the boat .....

I very seriously doubt if beaching it and looking at the drive from the outside is going to do you any good.

 

[barrowgv]

Re: bravo 3 outdrive

45AUTO
Zackman.
HT322222BSX115


hauled boat. knocking was gimbal bearing. replaced. thanks for help.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: bravo 3 outdrive

Glad you got it fixed.

The shop will have inspected the u-joints, alignment and gimbal bearing.

Mercury recommends this service every 100 hrs or yearly, which ever occurs first.

Regards,


Rick