Mercruiser Stern Drive U-Joint Noise

[thompsdw]

I need some help on stern drive noises. I recently noticed what I considered to be more knocking that usual from my Alpha. So, I did the test to dermine if it was gimbal versus a u-joint noise. You know, drive fully down and cenetered - turn the drive left and right and see if the noise gets worse.<br /><br />With the drive centered and down, there is a slight (muffled) knocking sound from the drive. It is not coming from the gimbal area at all. As I turn the drive the noise does not really increase until I get to the end of the steering throw. And even then it is only a slight increase in noise.<br /><br />Is what I am hearing normal? Should the u-joint be completely silent in a down and centerd position?

 

[Wellcraft 89]

Re: Mercruiser Stern Drive U-Joint Noise

Its hard to tell! we can't hear your drive!<br />But an once of prevention or anual maitenance is worth every penny.pull the drive and inspect them or have somebody do it for you !<br /><br />I pull the drive on mine every yr before the season starts and at the end of the season.<br /><br />Now I taught my son how to do it because it'll be his boat someday.<br /><br />Rich

 

[Paulinct]

Re: Mercruiser Stern Drive U-Joint Noise

I agree with Well craft. I just recieved my rebuilt drive in the mail last week. I would have preferred to pay for a lifetime supply of outdrive gaskets. I did perform maintence (change gear oil, grease, etc.) but I will be much more vigilant this time. My drive was about 14 years old.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Mercruiser Stern Drive U-Joint Noise

Regardless which is faulty its the same amount of work to get at each of them. Pull the drive...if you can pump some grease into the uni joints..water may come out/or if they are sloppy. replace them. Or if they are quite old...replace them anyway.<br /><br />As for the Gimble...stick your hand inside the d/s housing and give it a spin...if it's noisy or rough..change it.<br /><br />TMD