Volvo Penta Fine-Spline Universal Joint Assembly 3860230
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Part Details
- Part Number: 3860230
- Brand: Volvo Penta
- Official Product Type: Universal Joint Assembly — Fine Spline
- Supersedes: 853561 • 854615 • 854616 • 3858282 • 3858447
- Replaced By: 3860230 is the current active part number
- Engine Family: Selected 31-, 41- and 42-series Volvo Penta diesel engines (AD, KAD, KAMD, TAMD, TMD configurations)
- System: Sterndrive input — transmits engine power from the flywheel housing into the upper gear housing while allowing steering and trim articulation
- Diagram Position: Item 4 in applicable U-joint assembly schematics
- Spline Type: Fine spline — must match both the engine connection and drive input
- Kit Contents: Complete universal joint assembly; spider 3860232 is separately catalogued
Compatible Applications
Fitment depends on drive model, spline arrangement, engine connection, and serial number. Confirm both engine and sterndrive serial numbers before ordering.
- 290A / AQ290A
- SP-A
- SP-A1
- SP-C
- SP-E
- DP-A
- DP-B1
- DP-C1
- DP-D
- DP-D1
- DP-E
- DP-G
- DPX
- DPX-A
- DPX-R
- DPX-S1
Serial Number Fitment Notice
Volvo Penta used both coarse- and fine-spline universal joint assemblies across otherwise similar 290, SP, DP and DPX installations. Confirm both the engine and sterndrive serial numbers before ordering — the spline configuration must match at both connection points. Do not select this assembly by drive family or appearance alone.
Superseded Part Numbers
3860230 is the current number. Earlier references that this assembly supersedes:
- 853561
- 854615
- 854616
- 3858282
- 3858447
Confirm the original spline arrangement before replacing any earlier-number assembly.
When This Part Needs Replacement
Inspect or replace the universal joint assembly when there is:
- Clunking or knocking when shifting into gear
- Vibration that changes with trim or steering angle
- Excessive movement in the U-joint spiders
- Roughness, binding, or seized bearing caps
- Rust staining or water damage inside the bellows
- Worn, twisted, or damaged splines
- Damage following a failed or leaking U-joint bellows
Continuing to operate with a worn universal joint can damage the bearing carrier, upper gear housing, input components, or engine coupler.
Installation Notes
Drive removal is required for replacement. While the assembly is accessible, inspect the U-joint bellows, clamps, bearing carrier, bearings, sealing rings, splines, and flywheel-housing connection. Related components in the same assembly:
- 3860232 — Spider
- 3860364 — Screw
- 876294 — Bellows Kit
- 853012 — Hose Clamp
- 22274888 — Hose Clamp
- 839253 — Sealing Ring
- 3857144 — Bearing Box
- 3850852 — Bearing
- 183247 — Roller Bearing
Installation, alignment, lubrication, and fastener tightening must follow the Volvo Penta workshop manual for the exact engine and drive combination.
View the Volvo Penta U-joint and bearing-carrier schematic to confirm diagram position and adjacent components.
Parts Desk Insight
A leaking or failed bellows is the most common reason this assembly gets damaged — water gets in, and the bearing and joint surfaces deteriorate quickly from there. If you find rust or water contamination in the joint area, inspect the entire input assembly before reinstalling the drive. Replacing only the universal joint while leaving compromised bearings or sealing surfaces in place often leads to a second drive removal sooner than expected.
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.
We are serious about product integrity — and equally serious about taking care of our customers. If there is ever a product issue, contact us immediately so we can make it right.
For return authorization, please contact our support team before shipping anything back.