Rusted propshaft.

[keith455]

I was crawling around under my 95xp and 96spx and noticed that the propshafts were pretty rusted.
I'm assuming that i should change them.
What tools will i need and how much should the parts end up costing me?
Thanks
Keith

[Bryan Glynn]

Well, best case, you will just need a driveshaft, but I bet you will find some bad seals, bearings, and maybe some fittings. You are looking at $200-$400 easily.

The first thing you need to do is disassemble everything and take inventory.

[keith455]

What happens if the driveshaft breaks? Besides the ski not moving. Would it damage/destroy other parts?
I'm not saying that I won't replace it just wondering how much time I have.
Keith

[Bryan Glynn]

Well that totally depends on where it breaks - if an end shears off, you may damage a coupler or the impeller - you could damage the hull seal if it were out of round or shears in half...hard to say. But yes, you are likely to do some oother damage if it breaks...which doesn't happen too often on it's own!

[Bill O'Neal]

It is not uncommon to see rusty shafts under Sea Doo watercraft. Don't sweat it.

The shaft is made from a stainless steel alloy with some iron in it. If you ride in salt water, they will get rust specks all over them. It won't make your shaft break. It won't cause the bearings or the seal to go bad, as you do grease them after each ride, don't you ? If not, you should to dispel any water from the bearing and seal carrier. Change your pump oil twice a year ? No problems. Don't do either ? Probably will have problems.
Maintence is the key to long life of the driveshaft parts. Afterall, they are in the water constantly when riding a pwc. The book says every 50 hrs.....

[keith455]

Originally posted by Bill O'Neal:

It won't make your shaft break. It won't cause the bearings or the seal to go bad, as you do grease them after each ride, don't you ?

NO, I didn't know i was supposed to. How do i do that? I'll do it from now on.

If not, you should to dispel any water from the bearing and seal carrier. Change your pump oil twice a year ? No problems. Don't do either ?

I've never done any of this on the skis. I've only had them about 2 months. But i'll do this. Just need to know how. i have the manual on disk so just poing me in the right direction.

Probably will have problems.
Maintence is the key to long life of the driveshaft parts. Afterall, they are in the water constantly when riding a pwc. The book says every 50 hrs.....

[Bill O'Neal]

Look in the section that covers "service" or "maintence".

The Zerk fittings are under the grey drivshaft cover. The pump cone is inside the venturi nozzel at the back of the boat.