Bellows can be replaced without removing the bell housing, but it's much easier to remove the 2 hingepins. Once you take it apart you can clean it up much better and you can change the water intake hose while it's apart. I've replaced many Alpha bellows without removing the bell housing because the hinge pins were frozen in and I was afraid of the threads coming out. Bravos are much easier.

Great! I am changing the steering pin as well, so, I will have hinge pins out anyway. I hear that steering pin nut can be a bit of a pain, but I have had some GREAT advice on how to do it from guys on here.

Correct me if I am rememebering this wrong, but you can't replace the water hose with the TA's ON the boat unless you are REALLY lucky and can get to the water hose on the inside of the Transom.....

I would think it was take a magician to get down there with the engines in ecspecially if you had internal steering, and any coolers, etc..... on the back of the engine?

I was told that its pretty much impossible to change the water hose without pulling the motor? I think I will avoid tackling that job if I can help it!

If your referring to the 1 1/4" inlet hose it's very easy to change with engine in especially on a single. It's just a matter of pulling sunpad off.

I'm getting ready to rebuild my transom assemblies as well. Lower pivot bushing is shot on mine. Thankfully it seems my upper pin is still good mainly I'm guessing due to external steering. Do yourself a favor and replace shift cable boot. Lets in ALOT of water when it cracks.

I have ordered a bellows kits, so, will probably change shift and U joint bellows, I am not sure about my lower bushing? but, will probably change it while its apart. When you order a new Gimble ring does it come with the lower bushing or do you have to order it?

Michael

You have to order the lower swivel pins seperate..The water inlet hose comes seperate along with the 2 plastic threaded pieces. The upper pin is also seperate. Sounds to me like you've got your work cut out for you. If your that far into it and your shift cable is somewhat old I'd recommend changing it as well cause you'll be tearing into it again if it goes bad. If nothing else change the shift boot for piece of mind while you have the gimble helmet off.

Here's a good article as well as tools needed to do what your attempting to do...Might help a little while your doing it.

http://www.sterndrives.com/replace_bravo_bellows.html

Thanks Irish!

I will spend some time checking out that website, just curious? Do I HAVE to remove/replace that water hose [sounds like a PITA] to fix the gimbal ring and/or the Bellows? Let me know, Thanks!

Michael

You don't have to, but IMO it's just piece of mind when your doing all that to start new with everything then you know where you are. At least you don't have 2 to do at the same time.