Rear end rework for naught

[Don Coatney]

I hate to sound like an idiot but what is a Speedy Sleeve? I changed the seal in my diff. and it still leaks. Perhaps this could solve my problems. (some of them anyway)

Google can be your friend

 

https://www.google.com/#q=speedi+sleeve

[DonaldSmith]

Make sure the speedy sleeve is deep enough to cover the business area of the shaft.  

 

I had replaced the pinion seal on my 47 DeSoto Suburban a few years ago, without a speedy sleeve. The pinion seal was not quite the right outside diameter, so I shimmed between the seal and the housing with thin stainless steel strips and silicone sealant. But the seal leaked soon after.  The driveshaft flange covered the seal, so I couldn't see where it was leaking. 

 

This year, I ordered a pinion seal, plus speedy sleeve, from a local supplier, but the speedy sleeve they ordered was only 3/8 inch deep. I should have refused it.  The seal soon leaked.  Then I got another seal and this time a 7/8 inch deep sleeve.  

 

Following the Speedy Sleeve instructions, I put fast-curing metal-containing epoxy (J-B Weld) over the shaft before installing the sleeve, to support the thin sleeve at the groove(s) that had been worn into the shaft.  

 

Since the outside diameter of the pinion seal was not quite large enough, I wanted to set the seal in RTV sealant, but the area was still coated with gear lube.  So I installed the recently removed seal to hold back the gear lube, Then I cleaned the area and installed the new seal with RTV sealant at its perimeter.  Success!  The seal is still holding!  

 

(And of course I remembered to top of the lubricant in the pumpkin.  Nasty job; getting the the lube bottle up high enough, with tubing on its spout that kept coming off.  Gear lube has a distinctive and persistent odor.)