Well I fixed thee leak on the output shaft on my 66 power steering gear last winter. While doing that I also removed and reinstalled my original pitman arm shaft even though there was a little rusted area there; because there was no leak prior to disassembly. However even though I put new seals on the pitman shaft, I have a new leak in that area.:(

Can I leave the shaft in place and put a repair sleeve on the shaft or do I have to remove the shaft to install the sleeve. Has anyone done this repair before and with good results? Or do I need to install a new shaft? Thanks,

A repair sleeve on the steering box output shaft? Never heard of such a thing. Not sure it is such a good idea with the 1000 PSI pressure inside there.

I do know that the service procedures are *very* particular about not scratching or cutting the rubber seals during installation. And I could conceive of rust doing just that to a seal.

I might try and clean/polish the rust off and try a new seal. Perhaps give it a wiping of grease on the outside for protection?

A repair sleeve on the steering box output shaft? Never heard of such a thing. Not sure it is such a good idea with the 1000 PSI pressure inside there.

I do know that the service procedures are *very* particular about not scratching or cutting the rubber seals during installation. And I could conceive of rust doing just that to a seal.

I might try and clean/polish the rust off and try a new seal. Perhaps give it a wiping of grease on the outside for protection?

I think the proper term is rapid sleeve. I would not be putting it on the input shaft. It would go on the pitman shaft. It is a thin stainless cylindrical piece about a couple of thousands thick, it is tapped on over the shaft, then there would be a seal, a washer, another seal, then a second washer, and a snap ring that holes the seals and washers from getting blown out.

Are you thinking the sleeve would be blown out the bottom and off the shaft? I would think the sleeve if blown out the bottom, would just hit the pitman arm, which is held on by a big washer and nut.

There was very little rust on the shaft when I had it out last winter, But just enought so the shaft was a little scored and I t hink the fluid is seaping by the seal at that point.

Maybe I am way out to lunch on this topic, if so, let me know.

http://www.rickscamaros.com/product.asp?pf_id=RC-331&dept_id=3165

I think we are on the same page regarding which shaft and the sleeve you are talking about. I have heard of using them on differential pinion shafts I believe.

My concerns are that the hydraulic pressure may displace the sleeve or may force fluid out between the sleeve and shaft.

Then there are potential issues with installation over the splines on the shaft much like the seal scratch issues. Only worse because since the seal flexes you can wrap the splines and stretch the seal over. Cannot really do that with a sleeve.

For a sleeve to work it will definitely need to be a hot/cold installation process: cold shaft and hot sleeve.

Something else to watch for on cleaning up the shaft is introducing shaft lead or spiral (think like screw threads) grooves on the shaft. Some interesting reading here:

http://www.bsahome.org/tools/pdfs/Wear_Sleeves_web.pdf

Thanks Steve. Do you know where new shafts can be bought? Or do I need to find a used one with a good shaft?

The most cost effective is to find another box. Personally I would upgrade to the Jeep Grand Cherokee box. The conversion has been discussed quite a bit here and is very worthwhile.