Vibration When Turning - U joints?

[greg82255]

Hello,

I have a 1986 Merc 260/Alpha One. I've felt a vibration when turning hard left or right for a while now, and I figured it was due to the gimbal bearing or U-joints. I planned to replace them (or have them replaced by a pro) at the end of the year. I pulled the drive yesterday as part of winterizing and saw the gimbal bearing is in great shape - it turns freely and has no play in any direction. Also the alignment is dead on. The alignment tool slides in with very little effort. The U-joints also look good (not really sure what to look for here, but there is no play anywhere that I can feel). So I guess I am asking how to properly check the u-joints (the drive is still off), and what else could be causing this vibration?

 

[ohioriverat]

Re: Vibration When Turning - U joints?

I did my gimble bearing this spring because of the same noise, mine only does it at idle and mostly when turning left. my gimble was froze and i could not even turn it, my u-joints looked perfect with no play and no signs of water either. I replaced my gimble bearing and all the bellows but not the u joints!!! Now it looks like i will replace them this winter, so i guess to answer your question the u joints may look and feel good but replace them anyway..at least it is not a very hard job.

 

[Augoose]

Re: Vibration When Turning - U joints?

Watch this video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GGhfh72Y38&feature=related

at around :39, he starts exercising the range of motion of the u-joint. If yours is just as fluid and doesn't bind, they are probably ok. While its out, lube it up.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Vibration When Turning - U joints?

The U-joints also look good (not really sure what to look for here, but there is no play anywhere that I can feel). So I guess I am asking how to properly check the u-joints (the drive is still off),

Ayuh,... The only way to Really know is to take 1 apart...

I'd bet you'll find little tiny ridges on the crosses, under the caps, 'n needles...
That's the vibrations...

 

[greg82255]

Re: Vibration When Turning - U joints?

Thanks everyone for the replies. Bondo - Do you need special tools to take them apart? And do you know a ballpark range for how much a marina would charge to replace them? They charge about $80/hour around here.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Vibration When Turning - U joints?

Thanks everyone for the replies. Bondo - Do you need special tools to take them apart? And do you know a ballpark range for how much a marina would charge to replace them? They charge about $80/hour around here.

Ayuh,... That's a Trick question,...
My toolbox looks awhole lot different than yer's...
'n every tool is a Special Tool, if it's the 1 ya NEED...

A C-clamp press is the easiest tool to use on 'em...
But,...
There's awhole lota ways to improvise too...


Btw,... Fer the inside 1, ya might have to trim the castle nut abit....
a diegrinder does pretty good..

 

[Augoose]

Re: Vibration When Turning - U joints?

Thanks everyone for the replies. Bondo - Do you need special tools to take them apart? And do you know a ballpark range for how much a marina would charge to replace them? They charge about $80/hour around here.

You can either purchase a bearing wrench to remove the bearing retainer nut (castle nut) or grind down the edges enough so that you can get a press to sit on the u-joint. Like Bond-o said, I ground mine down instead of messing with the wrench. Pressing the bearing caps out is challenging at first but its not too hard once you understand how it works. Don't forget to remove the C-clips or you'll beat the u-joints to death! There are a ton of you-tube videos showing how to press out the bearing caps- when dealing with the u-joint itself car/boat its all the same. You can even rent u-joint presses from your local auto parts store.
I picked up Spicer replacement u-joints with the zerk grease fitting so every season I can pull the drive and lube up the joints.

 

[greg82255]

Re: Vibration When Turning - U joints?

I have several C-clamps and a die grinder. I'll get over to youtube and see if I can find some instructional videos. Thanks everyone for the input.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Vibration When Turning - U joints?

I have several C-clamps and a die grinder. I'll get over to youtube and see if I can find some instructional videos. Thanks everyone for the input.

Ayuh,...A C-clamp ain't a C-clamp press...

Search for a ball-joint tool,...
It can be jury rigged to work rather well...
Lota places rent 'em too...