When to Pull Drives?

[.38Special]

I did a search and did not find what I was looking for, so my apologies if this is a repost.

My mechanic, who I know and trust, is telling me it's beyond time to pull the drives and check everything out. Just Bravo I's on stock 502's with 165 original hours on everything. I'm planning a lot of long distance trips this summer and do not want to be sidelined over something like a drive. So I'm planning on having him do it, just wanted some feedback.

I know every boat is different, but in general would you guys say it's time to pull and align/inspect the drives? Boat spends most of it's life around 50-60mph or idling in the Great Lakes. Thanks!

[t500hps]

Mine are (were) pulled every winter and completely pulled apart.....but these were XR's behind 540's making 700 lb TQ. Stock 502's mean it's at least been 8-9 years....certainly time to check everything out.

[.38Special]

10 years to be exact. They've been flushed every year. Never had one issue with them. But yes I agree probably running on borrowed time!

[Seafordguy]

Mine have been off every year I have owned the boat. Personally I think it is good to have them off once a year to have a look around - check seals, look for leaks that have gone unnoticed, spin the Gimbal Bearing, etc....

[Ted]

Merc says yearly service but as you have found you can stretch that. At least every 2 years is good though because the ujoints have to be lubed, all the seals checked. It is also a good time to have the drive pressure checked.

[Padraig]

Mine get pulled every fall, stored inside and re-installed in the spring.

[t500hps]

Mine get pulled every fall, stored inside and re-installed in the spring.

I just store the whole boat inside!!! (but the drives come off and apart every year too)

[fixxxer22]

I pull mine every fall as well, just to take a look and grease the u-joints. Then i just put it back in or leave it out in case i have to pull the engine again

[Griff]

Your mechanic is correct. Its way beyond time. Every couple years at a minimum to inspect gimble bearing and check alignment.

[US1Fountain]

....check alignment.

Yep! Even more so important on the stud type motor mounts IMO. Those critters have a habit of backing off.

[JupiterSunsation]

My buddy just pulled his after 300 hours in 3 years behind 525's with no drama. They looked like they just left the factory. Fluid changes every 25 hours I'm sure helped the internals.