U-Joint Bellow Sleeve

[millz90]

Hello,

I am trying to replace my trim limit and sender switches and need to remove the bell housing, Hinge Pins..and the one i have a question about the exchaust hose. I have done a little research and there is a metal ring or sleeve as i have heard if called which holds the universal Joint bellow on. I was told you need a sleeve installation tool and a sleeve removal tool to get the sleeve in and out, is that true?
Can i just use a screwdriver to pop it out and replace the sleeve by pushing it in by hand? After i pay for the tools it would be WAY more then prying out the sleeve and putting a new one in.

Has anyone replace this before? Any info would be appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[Quint4]

You may be able to just drop the bell housing down still connected to bellows far enough to get at the retainer plate bolt holding the trim wires. If not, I would at least but a new retainer ring for your bellows as you will probably deform it when you remove it. Don't laugh but I used a small coffee can as a mandrel of sorts to install mine. The alpha one may be smaller...not sure.

 

[millz90]

Well i though i might be able to do that but when im trying to remove the Hinge Pins it is putting a lot of presure on the bellows and i was affraid i was going to put a hole in it and have to replace that as well...lol....So you just used a coffee can to push the new sleeve in and it worked?

 

[Quint4]

A small can. It was perfect size. I used the end with the plastic lid. An unopened can still full of coffee....has some mass to it. Tapped it with a rubber mallet after wetting the inside of bellows for a little lubrication. It worked for me , seated it good and proper....your mileage may vary.

 

[KHARRIMAN]

Agree with above-
If you can get it out undamaged is the hard part.
Putting back in is easy IF- you have the TWO folds in the correct position- lube the sleeve and I used a deadblow hammer(sideways) on the ring. Just taaappp it in...

 

[Quint4]

I must add, the u joint bellows is a critical part. If it fails catastrophically your boat could sink.

 

[KHARRIMAN]

I must add, the u joint bellows is a critical part. If it fails catastrophically your boat could sink.

AGREED!!!:smt038:smt038

 

[Blueone]

Kharriman.. I saw in another related post you changed both sets of bellows on your boat. I am surprised you had to on a 2005 so soon. What was the reason ?

 

[KHARRIMAN]

I Had a hole on the port side shift cable bellows when I bought her(repo)- looked like a fishing hook took a small chunk out of it and I had a slow but steady stream of water comming into the bilge. I think the prev. owner left it outside in the sun in Nevada cause the trailer tires were absolutely FRIED. So I replaced them all just in case.

 

[Away Point]

Surprised hearing lubricate the u-joint bellows. In my understanding (no expert!) an adhesive should be applied. It is very flammable, and reminiscent of contact cement. Maybe it's difference for an Alpha (mine) vs. Alpha 1, I don't know.

FWIW, I replaced both of my u-joint bellows on my `78 Nova 250XL with no special tools for the bellows, and used the recommended adhesive.

Perhaps <this> is helpful....

 

[Quint4]

The bellows is glued on the transom assembly end......We are talking about the retainer sleeve that holds it via friction to the bell housing.

 

[Away Point]

Okay, thanks for helping me understand! :thumbsup:

To the best of my recollection, my bellows is the same on both ends.

 

[Westie]

The Alpha 1 gen two has the retaining ring. Without the right tool I think you will have a very hard time getting the ring out without damaging it.
When I changed my bellows I made the tool to install the ring. Basically it was a piece of plywood cut in a circle that fit exactly on the ring with a big bolt in the middle to hammer on. You really don't have to use much force to get the ring in but it is very important that you apply the force evenly around the ring as it goes in.
I never thought of using a coffee can, but it it is the right size why not?