Volvo Penta Complete Universal Joint 3887297 | DPH DPR DPI Sterndrive
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Part Details
- Part Number: 3887297
- Brand: Volvo Penta
- Type: Universal joint, complete — upper drive assembly
- System: Sterndrive upper gear housing — U-joint and bearing carrier assembly
- Diagram Position: Complete universal joint in the upper gear housing / U-joint and bearing carrier assembly
- Qty Per Drive: 1
- Weight: Approx. 1.5 kg (estimated)
- Important: Do not confuse with U-joint spider service kit 3843136, which is a repair kit for the joint crosses only. 3887297 is the complete assembly. DPH-E uses a different complete joint (3862425) — do not apply this number to DPH-E without serial confirmation.
About This Part
Genuine Volvo Penta 3887297 is the OEM complete upper-drive universal joint assembly for selected DPH, DPR, and DPI sterndrives. Volvo Penta drive manuals identify this as “Universal joint, complete” and place it in the U-joint and bearing carrier assembly of the upper gear housing, where it transfers engine power into the upper gear housing while allowing for sterndrive articulation. This is the full assembly — not a single spider or cross kit. If only the joint crosses are worn, the applicable Volvo Penta service diagram may call for spider kit 3843136 instead. Confirm the exact drive model, revision, and serial number before ordering, as different DPH/DPR generations use different universal-joint configurations.
Compatible Applications
Diagram-confirmed:
- Volvo Penta DPH-A
- Volvo Penta DPH-B
- Volvo Penta DPR-A
- Volvo Penta DPR-B
- Volvo Penta DPH-D1
- Volvo Penta DPR-D
Also supported by current application references:
- Volvo Penta DPH-C
- Volvo Penta DPH-D
- Volvo Penta DPR-C
- Volvo Penta DPI-A
Confirm exact sterndrive model, revision letter, and serial number before ordering. DPH-E references show complete universal joint 3862425 — not 3887297. Do not apply this number to DPH-E without serial-number confirmation from the applicable drive diagram.
When to Replace
Inspect or replace the universal joint assembly when service reveals any of the following:
- Excessive rotational play in the upper drive
- Binding or rough movement during articulation
- Worn or damaged spider bearings
- Corrosion caused by water intrusion through a failed bellows
- Vibration or knocking originating from the upper drive area
- Damage discovered following U-joint bellows failure
- Wear found during upper-gear or bearing-carrier service
A leaking or failed U-joint bellows can allow water directly into the universal joint area. Whenever bellows damage is found, carefully inspect the complete joint assembly before reinstalling any drive components.
Installation Notes
While servicing 3887297, inspect the surrounding bearing carrier, roller bearings, sealing ring 3863084, shims, U-joint bellows kit 3594509, and associated clamps — all are part of the same U-joint and bearing carrier assembly in the Volvo Penta drive diagram. Shim selection and bearing preload setup are precision operations and must follow the applicable Volvo Penta workshop procedure for the exact drive model and serial number.
Related Parts in This Assembly
- U-joint spider service kit: 3843136 — repair kit for universal-joint crosses in later assemblies (confirm applicability from diagram; not the same as the complete 3887297 assembly)
- Sealing ring: 3863084 — sealing component in the same U-joint/bearing carrier assembly
- U-joint bellows kit: 3594509 — bellows and clamp kit for the upper drive U-joint area
- Note: DPH-E complete universal joint is 3862425 — a different assembly not interchangeable with 3887297
Cross-Reference Part Numbers
- OEM complete assembly: 3887297
- Related spider service kit: 3843136 (repair kit only — not the complete assembly)
- Note: No confirmed Volvo Penta OEM superseding number for the complete 3887297 assembly identified in current references.
Parts Desk Insight
3887297 is the complete U-joint assembly — not a single spider or cross kit. The most common ordering question is whether to replace the complete assembly or order only the spider kit 3843136. If the joint crosses are the only worn components and the main assembly is otherwise serviceable, the spider kit may be the appropriate repair path — but this should be confirmed from the Volvo Penta service diagram for the exact drive model. The other frequent issue is drive generation confusion: DPH-E sterndrives use a different complete universal joint (3862425) and are not served by 3887297. Always confirm the sterndrive revision letter and serial number, not just the DPH/DPR family, before ordering this assembly.
Shipping information
In-stock and OEM parts: ship same or next business day.
Locally warehoused items: ship within 1-3 business days.
Special-order items: timeline confirmed after order.
Returns & warranty
Returns & Satisfaction Guarantee
We stand firmly behind the quality of every product we sell. Your confidence matters to us — and we back it with a straightforward 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.
If you are not fully satisfied, you may request a return within 30 days of delivery. All returns must receive pre-approval prior to being sent back. Unauthorized returns will not be accepted.
To qualify for a return:
Item must be in new, unused condition
Product must be in its original packaging
All parts, components, hardware, manuals, and accessories must be included
Packaging must be undamaged and suitable for resale
Important:
Electronics are strictly inspected. No returns on open-box electronics. Exceptions may apply only with prior written approval. Any electronic unit that has been installed, powered, activated, or altered may not be eligible for return.
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