I pulled the driveshaft to address other issues on my new toy. I'm about ready to put it back in but part of the 'male' part has rust on it. Most of it is shiny chrome but the little bit that doesn't make it in is pretty rusty. I'm concerned the rusty part will damage the rear seal (which I just replaced because the old one was leaking). I was going to ask for a good way to remove the rust, but now I'm thinking it might be better to replace the yoke. Because if the sealing surface rusted, it won't seal properly anymore.
Is the shaft actually pitted or just discolored? Evapo-rust works quite well, or you could always use some steel wool...
No, there is build up in the rusty area. And if I remove the rust, likely it will be pitted which wont seal.
How much can a yoke be? Just replace it. I would only use a sleeve for a part that is not readily available or very expensive, but they do work.
I used Emory cloth on mine as well. There was some surface rust that needed removed from the car after sitting for 15 years... no pits either.
New yokes are like $200 from what I've seen. I can afford that but why spend the money if there is a way cheaper way to fix it. I think the sleeve is a proper fix and not hillbillyish (for lack of a better term). Emory cloth is a possible solution. There is just some minor pitting and wear but that means the sealing diameter will be reduced by some amount. Not to mention that the surface will no longer be as 'flat' as from factory. Probably not enough to matter but I think about that kind of stuff for my job as a mechanical engineer.
I just bought a new slip yoke for $55 on eBay, sure maybe not the best quality but I mostly bought it so I could run my 2004R without messing up the rear seal without the driveshaft installed (no rear in the car and want to verify trans pressures, slip yoke in that trans supports the end of the output shaft). https://www.ebay.com/itm/134686362053 I haven't actually test fit it yet but $200 seems like a lot?
The sleeve is considered a permanent fix. They do work. Sold many over the years without one complaint or problem…
Maybe not enough to matter? The Redi kit sleeve comes with a seal. It’s been a while since I’ve sold one. Will have to check if the seal in the kit is different. But don’t think so by memory
I'd expect a minor OD increase, but having just a little more seal spring tension might be another plus. Devon
On the parts end, when looking up the yoke seal, in the description it list this kit number and what it does/is used for. I think it lists a different seal number alone, without the sleeve that “moves” the sealing part to a different location on the yoke away from the area the original seal cut a grove into the yoke as well…
