Redi-Sleeve

[tanny]

While searching for a front oil seal for the crank, I noticed there is one brand called Redi-Sleeve that is two or three times as expensive as other brands. Does anyone know why? Is there something special about this brand other than price? Thanks, Victor.

[tanny]

Answer to my own question:

National Oil Seals

Redi-Sleeves

National® Redi-Sleeves

National Redi-Sleeves from Federal-Mogul are precision stainless steel wear sleeves designed to produce a superior sealing surface on a worn or damaged shaft. Whether the shaft is marred by tracks or grooves, Redi-Sleeves represent a fast, easy and inexpensive repair.

Available for shaft diameters ranging from .560-inch to 8 inches, National Redi-Sleeves combine stainless steel construction with a 0.010-inch wall thickness. This thin but durable design allows the original seal size to be used. Redi-Sleeves are pressed onto the shaft using a removable flange. An installation tool is provided with each sleeve.

Detailed product descriptions and sleeve identification and installation instructions are provided in Federal-Mogul's National Oil Seals Specification Manual No. 415.

Has anyone used these on the Z? What were the results? Thanks, Victor.

[2ManyZs]

I've never used them on a Z, but I have used them a lot when I worked in a truck repair shop. They work very well, but you have to be very careful when installing them.

They are used a lot on trailers, since the spindle is part of the axle itself, it gets expensive to replace the whole axle assembly(or take it off to have it machined) simply because you have a small groove worn into the spindle and the seals won't seat correctly.

I'd say the largest user of these would be tractor trailers, since they cover 100K+ miles a year, and the seals wear out so much quicker than passenger cars. Second largest user would probably be the vintage car restorers, as sometimes new or reman spindles just aren't available for every vehicle you would come across.

[tanny]

Thanks for the info. While researching these I did notice there were a lot of references to trailers. Now I know why. I might try one on my Z. My front seal is leaking more than I like and the seal is only about 4000 miles old and I did try to offset it from the original groove the old seal had worn, but apparently to no avail. If I'm going to take the radiator and all the rest of the stuff off just to get to this seal, I want to make sure it works this time. Victor.