Drives Aligned/Lubed?
 

How often do you guys recommend greasing U joints and greasing aligning the drive coupler? I had my coupler changed a few years ago and had everything lubed and aligned then, how often should I have it done again? Is it something that can be done easily?

Thanks guys!
Michael

I pull my drive before every season and grease the u-joints and check the alignment, bellows, etc. It's not hard and takes about one hour. Have someone to help you lift the drive off and on. The factory alignment tool is expensive but I got one from this seller on Ebay and it works great! He even includes directions on how to do the alignment with the tool.

http://stores.ebay.com/whoyaproducts

Yup. A yearly check when I service my drives. Hasn't moved, but it gives me peace of mind.

How much would you guys expect to pay for a shop to do this along with bellows while they are changing engine/drive oil?

Typically, if they have the drives off to lubes the u-joints, they'll check it while it's there.

If it needs aligned, they'll charge you more for that.

The coupler does not get aligned, the engine does. It is standard procedure to check the alignment before re-installing the drive. It is just a metal shaft of the proper dimensions. If it slides in easily the alignment is OK. Takes about 15 seconds.

You should grease your coupler at least every year or 50hrs. You can grease the coupler zert from inside the bilge.

Hey Griff

I have a 24 Baja Outlaw, any idea where the zert would be to grease the coupler?


Thanks!
Michael

I pull my drives before every the start of the season and grease the u-joints and check the bellows & alignment

fixx
 

you need to hang over the engine,,look at the rear of the engine and you will see where the drive shafe goes into the coupler,their will either be 2 zurts sticking out the back of the coupler or one zurt if it has the steel hp coupler..may have to rotate the engine to get the grease gun on the zurt.

One thing I have noticed is that most of the late model Bravos don't have grease fittings on the U Joints. So if your pulling the drive to grease them you might be in for a surprise.

Thanks! I will have to take a look, the engine compartment in these little outlaws is SO tight, but, I will try and wiggle my fat arse in there to have a look. Is it closer to the backing plate on the transom, or near the "back" of the motor? The boat is 2 hours away right now, so, when I get to it I would like to have an idea of where to look, every 10 mins stuffed into the engine compartment is usually at least 1 Chiropractor appointment, LOL!!

My Bravo is a 1995 model, which is pretty much a "fossil" in todays terms, so, I am guessin' it has some form of grease fitting, but, I could be wrong?

Thanks Guys!
Michael

I would say it does also. My '2000 Bravo had them but my '05 does not.

My '05 has no grease fitting on the U-joints.