Vibration 1-2 months AFTER gimbal and u-joint replacement

[void7910]

Had the gimbal, bellows and u-joints all replaced back in June/July on our Volvo SX-A, mated to a GL-H 5.0 All was good for a time. When we were coming in last run we heard and felt a lot of vibration during a hard left. Ever since when the wheel is hard left or hard right there is the new vibration/noise, around 2000 rpm only. It happens in neutral at dock so it has to be in the upper drive line somewhere. Our mechanic pulled the drive and the gimbal and u-joints checked out. During their water test they felt if too but weren’t sure where it was coming from. It does happen a little more cranked left than right but does happen somewhat in both directions. Any thoughts on the cause or why it just started?

 

[alldodge]

Vibration in neutral and only when hard left or right, sure sounds like U joint to me. If 1 needle bearing in a cup fell out or was damaged during install this could happen.

Guess it might be the engine coupler but that should be more visible.

 

[Lou C]

There is also a special tool for installing the gimble bearing that is designed to only make contact with the outer race, using the wrong tool can damage the gimble bearing although that would probably make noise constantly. It sounds more like ujoints

 

[void7910]

Thanks both, guess it’s the u’s. I had a Volvo Penta certified mechanic install the new u’s and gimbal so I suspect it was done correctly but who knows. Apparently they can also file a warranty claim for the parts and I can get another set of u’s installed, I may go that route.

Just my luck I get everything replaced as maintenance items given the age of the boat and I end up with vibration. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯