The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Leak at collar around torque tube - 53

I have been attacking all leaks on my 53 AD. After lots of effort, I am down to 1 trans fluid leak. This is from the screw-on collar at the back of the cover that slides over the U-Joint. The area all around the U-joint is dry (yes!) after years of leaking. BUT at the back of that cover, still a leak. I'm not sure it's even assembled correctly - there is a metal washer (pretty loose around the torque tube), cork gasket (pretty tight) then another metal washer, then the screw-on collar. I am wondering if that is correct. And if so, I would like to seal it without breaking the U-joint apart (!), since I finally have the front part sealed. Any ideas? Do I have a prayer using some sort of sealer there?

Thanks,

PM

How much is it leaking?

I haven't measured it, but it makes about a 6" spot on the driveway overnight.

PM

The seal in my trucks is rubber not cork. I do not know if that is the problem. Was the torque-tube body smooth and clean where the seal seats on it? I think the seating edge of the seal should be greased - I think the sealed edge slides a little on the torque tube.

Are we talking about the U-joint threaded ball collar? If so, I cleaned the outside of the torque tube nice and smooth like and then applied a light film of grease on the inside of the ball collar's cork seal. So far no leak.

your description is correct

If your install a new seal the leak may slow down and might even stop.

You do have to take the u joint apart to replace the seal.

I guess your asking if you could just add some packing (or similar) around the tube to stop the leak.
Good Question
I once thought about backing off the collar nut and adding rope packing, (like in a valve gland) Ended up going with a new seal.
My leak did not completly stop with the new seal. It did get alot better

Good Luck