[cheappower82]

Picked up my True-Trac'd rear yesterday, and noticed the half-shaft (side-shafts?) seals were leaking when it's tilted on it's side.

Is there any prep for the seals to function correctly (like driving the car to heat them)? I was going to install the rear today, but was reluctant 'cause I have no extra seals to swap in if those are bad.

I know some cars' output shaft seals (transmission) can leak if the car isn't driven for a period of time; I was curious if the same is true for new seals.

 

[sloopercat]

You probably have grooves worn in the output shafts. They pop right out if you want to take a look. Changing to new seals may actually cause a leak, since the old seals were worn into that groove. I imagine a decent machine shop can stick some of those SS sleeves on the shafts.

When I did mine, I had to hunt around to find a set of shafts that were not grooved real bad.

 

[cheappower82]

I'll check the shafts today. Thanks

 

[cheappower82]

I have three sets of side-shafts. Each have more groove than Motown. So I decided to replace the new seals with the older seals from another carrier. Replaced the left side; fixed that leak.
But now I'm having a PITA time pulling the right shaft. It seems like the retaining spring clip may be wedged in the splines (somehow) and won't release the shaft.

Looks like I need a larger puller.

*Note - test drove the new LSD; kicks arse! Can't wait to try it at the track (whenever I control this anal leakage).

 

[SilverMk2]

Get one of those sleeve repair kits at the part store if you can get one in the right size. Other than that you can drive the seal to a different depth so its out of the groove. HTH

 

[cheappower82]

Sleeve repair kits? Please define (parts nomenclature / where to purchase); sounds like the best alternative.

 

[Flyin' Hawaiian]

Hey Cheappower82,
I think Silver means these things, but I don't know how you'd go about getting the proper size, maybe with a micrometer???

http://www2.chicago-rawhide.com/speedi_sleeves.htm

They kinda explain how to pick the sleeve in this page. I'm sure there's other brands, but have heard good things about this one before.
hth...

 

[sloopercat]

Best source is probably a local machine shop. These sleeves are std stuff in the machine repair world. They would have the measuring equip and the knowledge of how to fit them.

 

[cheappower82]

Sounds like a plan. I'll check around town this week. If I go this route, I'll make sure to take pics.

Thanks, DS