I have looked through the old posts, can't find much. Also looked on MB forum. Maybe not searching right thing.

I have a 35hp MB longtail, with a bent shaft, I think. Not real bad, doesn't vibrate bad, and only a little grease out the lower seals. Looks like its bend about an inch or so from the lower seals on the exposed tread area. Only thing I can think of is when I removed a stuck prop.

So, here's my question, do I need to replace the shaft? If so, how hard is this to do? I'm really far from any service center. Not a mechanic, but pretty handy with fixing things.

Any help would be apprieciated!

Not difficult at all. There's complete instructions on the mb site I think. Getting a replacement shaft made isnt hard either, we just had a local machine shop work one up for us. Wasn't expensive. If it's bent, I would replace it.

I've looked at the instructions. Doesn't say anything about how to remove the tack weld they did on the shaft and u-joint, just sand the paint off. Don't think sanding is going to help much with weld!

Also talks about replacing everything, is this necessary? Will replace lower seal cap, with seals in it, but do I need to change everything?

Anyone own a MB and done this before?

We replaced the lower seals and bearing, the shaft, but there wasnt a weld to deal with (part of the ujoint was tacked at the top, just not to the shaft itself). Just the key. No, sanding wont help that. Take a pic or two, I'll find the stuff we printed out and notes made, and pm you tomorrow with my number to see if I can help you get it figured out.

Here's a couple pictures. First is keyed area, not welded. Second is opposite side not keyed, welded.

Here is a picture of the lower seals leaking grease after running it out of water 3 times for a minute each. After looking at it again, I don't know if I really have a bent shaft or just ruined the seals when I had to use a torch to take an old prop off. The upper bearing housing was warmer to the touch them the lower was? Upper not leaking. Really, very little vibration in the handle. Probably wouldn't have noticed it unless I was looking. What you all think?

I cant tell if it's bent, but you def have a seal issue there. Do what you can to figure out if you need a new shaft, and if it's not, just replace that lower bearing/seal set.

Update. Took seal cap off, and this is what I found. Ordered new shaft, not bend bad but don't think new seals will work. Also found some debris packed in seals. Looked like grass. Will be putting in new lower bearings too. They look good, but I'm already in there.

Anyone know if they have changed their seals from 2009? I have a picture of both old (right) and new seals (left). Either they changed them, or I'm missing something. Haven't taken apart since I got it, so came from factory like that.

Just a question I have a gdlt that I need to replace the shaft any tips on how to get it off

Okay, got the shaft out last night. It was bent, thank god, would have been pissed if it wasn't!

New problem though. The gap between the upper bearing collar and u-joint is only 3/4in. The key is 1 1/4in long, and the u-joint depth is 1 1/8in. When I put the new shaft in, how do I get the key in? Cut the key to 3/4in? Try to start it in the u-joint first? I'm afraid when I tap the shaft into the u-joint the key will just go with it and hang out the back of u-joint to far and hit the grease zert. Any thoughts?

Update. I hope this will save you all from the frustration I went through.

Not all shafts are the same length for every mud buddy. If you need to replace your shaft, measure the old one. When you order the new one, tell them the length of the old one. Make them cut it down to size. If not the same length, it will not run correctly.

After many phone calls and waiting for calls back, I got to talk to the guy that puts the motors together. He said that because of welds and putting the frames and tubes together, measurements can be off a little. A little (1/4in) can make a big difference. So, they fit every shaft to the motor for best performance. Who knew!

I wish I would have know this 3 weeks ago. Waiting for another new shaft now.

Where are yall getting the bronze iolite bushings for the seals on the longtail mud motors?

Alright, got the cut to right size shaft yesterday. Was able to put the new shaft in tonight. It was surprisingly much easier putting it back in, and was able to do it by myself. Got everything Loctite, set screws hole drilled, just need my buddy to tack weld, and I'm finally back in business. Finally!