Speedi-Sleeve for worn shaft

[vongiese]

I'm rebuilding the front end on my YM2210D after the top bearing on the vertical drive/steering shaft rusted apart and fell down into the bevel gears and bunged them up. Finally got some used gears and new seals/bearings but a closer look at the top of this shaft and the bevel gear housing (portion that rotates with steering and is sealed via ~5 inch rubber seal) have GROOVES worn into the area wherre the seal rides. This is likely the soursce of water contaminating my gear oil.
Anyone have experience using a speedi-sleeve or Redi-sleeve to fix these? Measurements/help would be appreciated. Found only a couple mentions searching the forum. Seems like it could be a common problem....
mike

 

[gbirky]

I've been where you are right now with a YM1110D front axle. I decided to use the standard seals and then pack the whole axle full of grease rather than gear oil. I also drilled the castings in a number of places and installed zerks so I could add grease. One of the other reasons I did this is that it was quite clear to me that the bearing at the top of that vertical shaft where it comes through the casting would always be running dry unless I was operating on the side of a steep slope (which I never do - its just too tippy). This way, I can add a little grease every once in a while. It hasn't leaked, and I've used it through two summers and two winters without a problem. Remember these are not high speed gears.

I know it's probably not the solution you want, but it is an option.

 

[normde2001]

I never used one, but would not hesitate to do so if needed. A search on speedi-sleeve will give all the info and dealer locations needed. Each shaft must be individually measured in 3 places, 12-6, 2-8, and 10-4 o-clock with a micrometer and get average size, in case shaft is out of round.

 

[vongiese]

Thanks for the tips guys. I've done a bunch of searching the net on speedi sleeve. There's not much to it - measure - order - pound it in place - peel the flange. On the vertical shaft the top bearing has to be intalled first - then I'll have to put on the speedi-sleeve.
That top bearing is the one that runs out of the oil bath. I gotta imagine that there's some splashing going on there. That's the bearing that totally fell apart on mine - the outer race was half gone from wearing on the bevel gear...balls were like pebbles. The new bearings are sealed - that should take care of it.
The grease idea sounds interesting. I'm not sure those bevel gears run at that low of a speed tho. I wonder how your seals will hold up against the grease pressure..?
I'm suprised this hasn't been an issue with other gray Yannie owners? Maybe the seals do a good job of sealing within the grooves...
I'll try to take some pics if anyone is interested.
mike

 

[larso1]

I installed Speedi-sleeves on my Iseki's steering pivot (same area). There was originally a thin metal sleeve with rubberized backing that served the purpose of protecting the shaft. It originally came with the seal as an assembly. The problem I had with the speedi-sleeves was that they were about 1/8-in. too long and prevented the shaft from fully inserting into the sleeve bearing. I had to trim them down with a Dremel after they were already installed on the shaft (a big pain), so make sure you check length before installing.

Bill

 

[Cord]

I installed them on my 1110's front wheel shafts. I took the entire axle stub to my bearing supplier and he was able to order the sleeves for me. They are very expensive! The hard part was setting the sleeve over the axle. You almost need a piece of pipe to do it. Be very carefull not to bend the sleeve as they are very expensive! My axle has been together for a month or two now and there is narry a drop of oil coming from it.

 

[vongiese]

How very expensive are you talking?

 

[larso1]

Mine were 50mm size, about 2" dia. They come with a proper sized cup to install them onto the axle. However, the cup may be too shallow to fully seat the sleeve if you need to go further onto the shaft. A proper length and dia. of tubing will then be required. Mine cost about $30.00 each as I recall. Seems like a lot of money for what you get until you get pricing on the replacement Japanese part (shipped from Japan). I had a local machine shop install them and they indcated no problem.

Bill

 

[vongiese]

I decided to have the local machine shop shave down that part of the shaft and install a metal sleeve (not speedi type) and cut it down to the 25mm that it should be. Will end up costing my about the same as a speedi sleeve - or hopefully less. For the large seal groove - I'm going to try some good hi-metal epoxy - they aren't as deep and weren't leaking....just a weep.
Problem with that top seal is since it sets above the oil bath - you can't tell if it's leaking. I think it's the source of my contaminated front end gear oil....I've changed it twice in 3 years and dealer changed it when i purchased it - every time it looked like chocolate milk (water contamination).

 

[normde2001]

"I think it's the source of my contaminated front end gear oil....I've changed it twice in 3 years and dealer changed it when i purchased it - every time it looked like chocolate milk (water contamination)."

I suspect rain is the source of your water contamination. Tractors are not water tight.