Found V Drive shaft bolts loose...

[Wrenhaven]

During winterization cleaning I noticed that the bolts that hold the drive shaft to the V drive are loose, like I can turn them with my fingers!? I found one loose while cleaning oil off the bottom of the V drive unit, then found that they were ALL loose! Surprised I didn't have a vibration or noise during use. It's hard to see so I took my phone and snapped a few pics from underneath...



I can spin all of the silver bolts freely. Does anyone know the torque spec for these bolts? Sounds like I need to go around and check all my bolts now!

[docdrs]

before you tighten them check your alignment, you may also want to put new nylocks on this bolts as the nylon can wear out of many loosening and tightening events. What boat do you have?

[Wrenhaven]

before you tighten them check your alignment, you may also want to put new nylocks on this bolts as the nylon can wear out of many loosening and tightening events. What boat do you have?

I'll go and replace with nylocks if they are not being used or are not holding correctly (which would appear to be the case) Not sure how to check alignment, looks like something else I'll be researching before the official winter put away.

I have a 22ft 2008 SS

[docdrs]

Look in the how to section on the moomba site , there is a sticky. There are many great diy posts there

[Wrenhaven]

Look in the how to section on the moomba site , there is a sticky. There are many great diy posts there

Great, I'll check it out. Thanks!

[CJD]

Isn't that a lot of fun reaching these bolts!?!

Torque specs are meaningless, as you will never be able to get a torque wrench in there to check it. Just tighten them medium tight, and let the nylocks do their work. These don't loosen very often, so I bet the mechanic forgot to tighten them down during the last alignment check.

Also, the alignment check is listed for the de-winterization checks in the springtime. That allows for any settling of the hull or mounts over the winter time.

[Wrenhaven]

Isn't that a lot of fun reaching these bolts!?!

Torque specs are meaningless, as you will never be able to get a torque wrench in there to check it. Just tighten them medium tight, and let the nylocks do their work. These don't loosen very often, so I bet the mechanic forgot to tighten them down during the last alignment check.

Also, the alignment check is listed for the de-winterization checks in the springtime. That allows for any settling of the hull or mounts over the winter time.

Yeah, you need to warm up and stretch before getting into some contorted yoga position just to work on em! ;lol

Maybe I'll keep them loose for now and tackle the alignment in spring.