270 SLX noise in turns

[Bill Clark]

Just bought a 2008 270 SLX with 260 engine hours....496 Mag.
As soon as I turn the steering wheel at slow speeds, a distinct loud rattling noise starts but stops when I straighten back out. Any ideas?

 

[dlvwill]

Check U-joints in the drive.

 

[Stee6043]

I detonated an Alpha drive with a similar precursor. I'd suggest you get it looked at before your next trip out. Destroying the u-joint while underway can do some really amazing things. Up to and including taking on water at a fairly rapid rate if you have a particularly spectacular failure (which I did)...

 

[BillK2632]

Definitely check it (pull the drive and inspect gimbal bearing, u-joints, alignment). BUT, also realize that all outdrives make some noise when turning, especially hard over and you hear this mainly at low/idle speed. I would describe it as a low rumble that changes in frequency as the u-joints turn, it get's a little louder the sharper the turn. But a loud metallic knocking would not be normal. I know my old BIII's and my current Alpha made/make a similar sound when turning. I try to be easy on the throttle in sharp turns - ie applying hard throttle with the wheel turned over is not a good thing.

At 260hrs, unless water has gotten in the bellows at some point, the U-Joints should be fine.