The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Tube on pinion shaft, which way does it go?

I'm a newbie, but am getting addicted to this site and working on my Stovebolt. I'm rebuilding a rear end from a 69 c-10 and putting new seals in the axle shafts and pinion. I replaced the pinion seal but when I walked over to the bench to get the new seal a tube inside the pinion shaft fell out. I had my back turned and didn't see which way it goes back in? The tube fits over the pinion shaft and has a bulge like it swallowed an egg about two thirds down the tube. Does the bulge go towards the pumpkin or towards the driveshaft? It fits in either way but I know the buldge probably has something to do with the oil flow in the rear end. Hope you guys can help?

Thanks for all you know,
Squeegebob

Hy squeegebob, If my memory is correct the "crush sleeve" bulge goes towards the "pumpkin" or pinion gear. The crush sleeve is what establishes the preload on the pinion bearings, it is a one use device, once it has been crushed it really will not perform its function correctly if reused. If you purchase a new one and torque the pinion nut to spec. you should reestablish your proper bearing preload, hope that helps.

Yes, it's a crush sleeve, and it can go in either way on that one. If you've taken it that far apart, you'll probably need to buy a new one, as it's very seldom possible to get the correct pinion bearing preload with a used sleeve. It's designed to squeeze down once, and retain its length as it's crushed. That's what the bulge is all about. With a new sleeve, there will be lots of free play in the bearings, and you'll have to put enough torque on the pinion nut to squeeze the sleeve to a shorter dimension. (LOTS of torque!) I use a 3/4" drive breaker bar and a cheater when setting crush sleeve length, until the point the free play in the bearings is almost gone, then I start nudging the nut a little at a time until I can set the pinion gear turning torque with an inch/lb. torque wrench. New bearings usually need about 15-20 in/lb. to keep the pinion moving once it breaks loose. Used bearings- - - -about 8 to 12 in/lb.

You get one shot with a crush sleeve- - - -no way to stretch one out if it's compressed too far. Good luck!
Jerry

I would try the old one first. If you are using the original brgs. there is bound to be a little wear on them & the sleeve will crush enough to get the necessary preload. If the pinion nut doesn't have any drag on it get a new one. This is a self locking nut & will back off if there is not enough drag.