91-818162 Bellow Retainer Sleeve Install Driver Fits MerCruiser Alpha Gen II and Bravo Sterndrive Bellow Service

818162 Bellow Retainer Sleeve Install Driver — Fits MerCruiser Alpha Gen II and Bravo Sterndrive Bellow Service, Replaces 91-818162, 18-9870, 90470, 9-79821

When the drive is off and you're replacing transom bellows, the new U-joint boot goes on first — then you still have to press the aluminum retainer sleeve in straight. That's what this sleeve install driver does. Replaces OEM 91-818162 and cross-ref 18-9870, 90470, 9-79821. Compatible with MerCruiser MC-I, R/MR, Alpha One Gen II, Vazer, Bravo One/Two/Three, and Blackhawk sterndrives — confirm your drive tag before order.

Not the expander. If you're trying to stretch rubber onto the bell housing, you want the bellows expander (22ET001 / 91-45497A1) — different tool, different step. This driver does not pull old sleeves off either (that's 91-818169).

Before you begin

Pull the drive first. You can't reach the U-joint bellow with the sterndrive on. If drive removal isn't in your comfort zone, have a shop do that part — then this tool handles the sleeve press at home.

How to use this tool

1. Drive off. Pull the old boot and sleeve. Wipe the flange clean — old glue and grease will make the new boot leak.

2. Glue the new boot per your manual. Tight rubber? Use the expander 22ET001 first — then come back to the sleeve step.

3. Slide the aluminum retainer sleeve over the bellow lip. Center the install driver on the sleeve and press evenly with hand pressure. Do not hit the sleeve with a hammer — it will tilt and leak.

4. Clamp up, bolt the drive back on, run on muffs, and check the bilge after a short heat cycle.

Not this tool

·       Bellows expander 91-45497A1 — stretches rubber open first → 22ET001

·       Sleeve removal tool 91-818169 — pulls the old sleeve off (different job)

·       Aluminum sleeve 89141 — consumable part you buy separately, not this tool

Interchange numbers & specs

In the box & commonly ordered with

Ships: 1 × steel sleeve install driver (91-818162 family) — tool only. No rubber bellows, aluminum sleeve 89141, adhesive, expander, or removal tool 91-818169.

A full transom bellow job usually stacks like this — this driver is the last step on the U-joint boot, after the rubber is on and glued:

1. Bellows first. Three-bellow kit 18BK003 covers exhaust, U-joint, and shift on Alpha Gen II; order singles 17B1003 / 17B1007 / 17B1005 if only one location failed.

2. Expander before clamps on tight boots. Exhaust and shift rubber often needs bellows expander 22ET001 (91-45497A1) to stretch onto the flange — different tool, earlier in the sequence.

3. Then this driver. With the U-joint bellow seated in the bell housing, press the aluminum retainer sleeve square. Gen I U-joint boot 17B1004 (60932A4) uses the same driver family on Gen II/Bravo sleeve jobs; marine adhesive sold separately.

FAQ

Do I use bellows adhesive on the aluminum sleeve end of the U-joint boot?

On Alpha Gen II and Bravo, glue the forward (transom) end of the U-joint bellow per your manual — not between the rubber and the retainer sleeve. The sleeve seats by friction; forum techs commonly use Mercury Power Tune or soapy water as install lube, then press and hold 15–30 seconds.

The retainer sleeve will not go on — what did I miss?

Most often the U-joint bellow is not fully inserted into the bell-housing bore before you try the sleeve. Confirm the bead is seated in the groove and the boot is pushed in square; if the rubber is short in the hole, the ring will bind no matter which driver you use.

How do I know the sleeve is seated all the way?

Look just outside the aluminum ring — you should see a narrow lip of bellow rubber ahead of the sleeve edge. The ring must stay square as it goes in; a cocked sleeve stops short and will leak underway. Press evenly with the driver until it stops, hold briefly, then visually check that gap.

Can I push the sleeve in without buying this tool?

Some owners DIY a plywood disc or round mandrel the same OD as the ring, but the force has to be even around the full diameter — tapping one side with a hammer or socket extension cocks the sleeve and ruins the boot. This driver is the OEM 91-818162 method for a square press.

Alpha Gen I vs Gen II — same retainer sleeve and driver?

Gen II (1991+) Alpha and 1988+ Bravo/Blackhawk use the aluminum retainer sleeve this tool installs. Gen I U-joint bellows clamp differently — if your drive is pre-1991 Gen I, match boot 60932A4 / GHMarine 17B1004 and verify your manual; this driver type applies to the Gen II/Bravo sleeve step, not hose-clamp-only Gen I setups.

Is this the bellows expander (45497A1) or the sleeve puller (818169)?

Neither. Expander 22ET001 / 91-45497A1 stretches rubber onto the flange earlier in the job. Puller 91-818169 removes the old sleeve. This SKU is the install driver only — use after the new boot is glued and positioned, not to stretch rubber or extract the old ring.

Please note

Aftermarket service tool. Match your drive tag to the fitment list. Not affiliated with engine manufacturers referenced above.