Installing Sleeves For Wheel Seals

[glcaines]

I'm getting ready to install sleeves for the wheel seals on my new M151A2, which currently doesn't have any sleeves installed. Should I use lubricant on the sleeves or heat them to make installation easier? I replaced the seals on my first A2, but it already had sleeves installed that were in perfect condition so I didn't replace them.

[rickf]

A little oil will help, I would not heat them. Good chance of warping them if they get too hot and thin metal heats fast.

[glcaines]

I made two tools out of Schedule 40 pipe to install the sleeves. I put a little oil on them as per Rick's suggestion. The first tool was made by cutting a 6-inch piece of 2-inch PVC pipe and solvent bonding a coupling on one end. The coupling end fit perfectly over the smaller sleeve. 3 - 4 whacks with a large ball peen hammer with the head turned sideways seated the sleeves perfectly. For the larger sleeves, I cut a 4-inch length of 3-inch schedule 40 PVC pipe. The pipe fit over the sleeves perfectly and my press slid it on. I still need to work on the front end, but the rear wheels will be finished tomorrow.

Sleeve Tool 1.jpg

Sleeve Tool 2.jpg