Propshaft spline end fitting

Post by **PSL184** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:27 pm

How smooth / clean / unrusty does the shaft that goes into the gearbox need to be? Should It be like a machined surface and will any pitting wear the gearbox tail seal? If so, how far down the shaft actually runs on the seal ie if the first 2" of the shaft were rusty would that bit run on the seal or would it be further down the shaft?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:33 pm

Seal is right at the end of the gearbox extension - so -I would simply clean it off with scotchbrite and/or fine wet/dry with oil - and stick it in!

Post by **PSL184** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:35 pm

Cheers - That's what I'd hoped for...

Post by **mike.perry** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 10:15 pm

Check that there is no play in the spline section when it is in the gearbox and it should be OK.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 1:37 pm

You can't actually see the area where the seal runs - this is hidden under the sleeve. If you want to be 100% sure, you can remove the sleeve (brute force needed) to check the seal area. (The sleeve will tap back in place afterwards.)

The seal area does need to be free of pitting, but unless you do 10,000+ miles a year, a few pits will not be the end of the world.

Top tip: if you've fitted a new seal, put some oil or grease on the lip. The seal can be damged in the first run-in period if it's left bone dry, and it can take a little while for the gearbox oil to make it to the seal area.

Post by **PSL184** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 2:59 pm

Thanks both. Its just the tip of the shaft that is a little bit pitted but it should clean up OK anyway - The area under the sleeve is fine.