Gearbox extension oil seal

[davidmorr]

Dolomite 1850 manual, no O/D

For a lot of the time I have had the car (the last 30 years), there has been oil dripping out the back of the gearbox extension housing. I have replaced the oil seal several times, and while it helps for a while, it eventually starts leaking again.

One thing I did notice is that there is a groove in the part of the gearbox drive flange where the seal contacts it. Even with a new seal, it seems to still leak. Is there a solution to this?

[matt of the vivas]

Yes, replace the flange. If it's grooved it's cutting the new seal. Or use a Speedi-Sleeve if you can't find a flange.

[Magenta Auto Sprint]

If the flange has a groove, then the diameter is reduced and doesn't have enough contact pressure to seal on the diameter.

[davidmorr]

If the flange has a groove, then the diameter is reduced and doesn't have enough contact pressure to seal on the diameter.

That is what I was thinking. I will have to look for a replacement. Are "new" ones available, or do I have to look for an undamaged second hand one?

[Bumpa]

I agree with Matt. Use a Speedi-sleeve, they work really well. https://www.skf.com/uk/products/industr ... edi-sleeve

[davidmorr]

Is it known what size sleeve is required? Or even a part number?

Since I am driving the Dolomite daily, I do not want to have to pull it apart to measure then wait possibly weeks for it to arrive.

The web site says the flange can be removed if necessary. Does it have to be removed for the Dolomite?

Are there any tricks to fitting it?

[Bumpa]

The Speedi-Sleeve is an interference fit over the surface that the oil seal presses on, so yes you would have to remove the drive flange as the sleeve presses on from the inside, if you see what I mean. So you definitely need the exact diameter of the business end of the flange and then you find the size on their table. They supply with the sleeve a tool to allow easy insertion. If you do use one I would put a very thin smear of a sealer on the flange shaft so oil can't leak between the sleeve and the shaft, although it shouldn't as they are a tight fit.

[Magenta Auto Sprint]

It may be a bit of a botch but I did think that if there was enough thread left on flange nut, then make up a spacer to move the flange seal 3 - 4mm further out, the slide on the prop shaft should have slack to take this up. The only issue is having one made up to the correct size.

Malcolm

[davidmorr]

The Speedi-Sleeve is an interference fit over the surface that the oil seal presses on, so yes you would have to remove the drive flange as the sleeve presses on from the inside, if you see what I mean. So you definitely need the exact diameter of the business end of the flange and then you find the size on their table. They supply with the sleeve a tool to allow easy insertion. If you do use one I would put a very thin smear of a sealer on the flange shaft so oil can't leak between the sleeve and the shaft, although it shouldn't as they are a tight fit.

Hmmm.... The only places around here (Newcastle Australia) that carry SKF are truck repair companies. I wonder if they would have a full range of sizes to try on the flange?

[davidmorr]

It may be a bit of a botch but I did think that if there was enough thread left on flange nut, then make up a spacer to move the flange seal 3 - 4mm further out, the slide on the prop shaft should have slack to take this up. The only issue is having one made up to the correct size.

Malcolm

I think at some time in the past, I tried that. It worked for a while until it too had a groove.