You mention many times to check the torque of the 2 upper nuts of the U-bolt for the upper swivel pin for 50 ft lbs as a yearly preventative maintance item, but not going over 53 as it will almost guarantee a stripped or broken part. Tonight while double checking that number thru my Merc bravo service manual, it specs that to be 30-40 ft. lbs. Can you shed some light on the different numbers? When I checked mine, they were right at 40.

thanks

Service Manual #28 SERIAL NUMBER OM1000000 AND ABOVE. Page 4b-42 States Quote" Torque Locknut's Evenly To 53 Lb-ft ( 72nm ). This Book Is May Of 2000. I Don't Know What Book You Are Using But If It Is Newer Please Let Me Know. THE UP DATE BOOK AFTER THIS ONE HAS NO CHANGES ON THE U-BOLT SPECS.

THANKS! make me feel much better. Wasn't trying to come off as questioning your experience, just why the difference.
My book is the Service Manual #11, 1989 era. My boat is a '99, drive SN's are OL's. What is recommendation? Thanks

Have You Had Any Gimbel Trouble ? What Does Your Boat Weigh ? How Much Hp You Have ?

No wear that I call feel. And no problems. I think it is around 7500. Stock 502 MPI's.

i don't think your boat will be a problem. not heavy enough & not enough hp to stretch out u-bolt. thats why you haven't had any problems. most every repair that i am involved in are heavier 37 ft & up boats, with 500hp & larger. if i where you i would't fix something that isn't broke. should you ever take it apart for anything you might increase you torque to 45 and it will work for your application perfect. RON BENDER

Ive also seen alot of gimbal ring and swivel shaft problems with smaller boats who's owners like to beach them and let the drive slam on the sandy bottom.

Ron,
It wasn't something I was fixing, just doing the preseason R&R drive removals for alignment check and greasing and thought I would check the torque on the u-bolts. All is good then. Thanks

I have 1990 Bravo's, and been torquing them to 50lbs annualy for 15 years but had new HP Gimbals installed 2 years ago. Went to check the u-bolts today and found one of the nuts stripped. The Gimbal Ring & shaft appear to be okay so I may have caught the problem in time.

I'm assuming I can lift the drive up, and pop the u-bolt out for easy replacement but unsure. Did a search for u-bolt, nobody seems to address the removal or installation of it.

Anyone done this before?