Knocking noice from u-joints Bravo XZ
 

Hi Guys,

I've just bolted my Bravo one XZ drive onto the transom. When starting up the engine I've noticed a knocking sound from what I believe are the u-joints on the drive shaft.

When I have the drive centered and trimmed down it almost goes away, but when steer about 20 degrees left or right or trim the drive up slightly the noice increase.

The XZ unit has the big heavy duty u-joints (same as the XR?) that bearly fits inside the bell housing. Is this normal sound from these?

I know from alpha drives that it's normal with some sound form the u-joint when trimmed up. Should I be worried. The XZ unit is in mint condition (by the look) and u-joints feel solid.

Check Gimbal bearing,

You have to have the RED dot Gimbal bearing at the 10:00 position.
You also need trim limit spacers in the trim rams. Depending on the year, the ring that holds the drive shaft bellows needs replaced also.
I can post the service bulletin when I get home.

Do a search this topic has been covered several times.

Thanks for your replies. I have thought about the aluminium ring that holds the big bellows. The one I used is the standard bravo one ring. I noticed that the u-joints are very thight to the ring. However I cant imagine how an alternative ring would look like. I would appreciate a heads up on a bullentin on this one. (I'll make another search as well)

//M

PS - I belive the red dot was in 10:00 position, I will look through some photos to verify.

The proper ring is 862209 but I doubt it's causing the knocking noise. That ring is a little bigger I.D.
Definitely do need the red dot gimbal bearing if you have the Bachman (large w/zerk fitting) u-joints though. Not sure but I think the newest (Italian) u-joints will clear. Like I said "not sure" about that part. It's surprising how much noisier it is out of the water too if you're "on the hose". I see you say when you trim slightly", the spacers "inside" prevent trim at the top end of travel. Not a bad idea if you are prone to revving it at full up. Used to see some racers I wish had them installed.
Please post when you find the answer.

He is correct the bellows sleeve is 862209
Tilt limit spacer kit 15768A3