rear axle repair sleeve question

[2nevets]

 I am replacing my entire brake system so I pull off the driver side rear  drum and I have what appears to be  whats left of some kind of a repair sleeve? the axle moves around quite easily - normal or is something amiss? 
thanks for all the help

[19tom40]

The repair sleeve is made to repair the wheel bearing inner race, which is the axle housing. The PO bought one that did not hold up. The hub bearing rides on the axle housing and if they were not greased regularly, the bottom side of the housing wore and the hub moved up and down flexing the axle. When the housing became worn enough, it flexed the axle enough that it broke. The result if you were lucky, is that the car would not move. Quite often the wheel would move out, damage the fender, leave the car and then the driver could lose control of the car causing severe damage to the car, driver and passengers.

 

You will have to have a new sleeve installed. I would call John Connolly  at Columbia Two Speed Parts and discuss the situation with him. He can tell you how to determine if the axle housing can be sleeved again. He sells a sleeve that will last as long as you own the car and keep the bearings greased.  I would not buy any other sleeve from anyone. I had two of his sleeves installed on my Mercury 40,000 miles ago and the surface still looks like new.

 

http://www.columbiatwospeedparts.com/index.cfm

 

The axle movement is probably normal, but I would start searching for a new axle. The area near the housing is worn and could lead to a break. If the axle breaks there, the wheel could move out and destroy the fender and skirt. If it moves far enough, you could lose the wheel and do major damage to the car. You should also look for U.S.A. made wheel bearings as yours may have been damaged by the metal filings from the sleeve. You may also have to replace the outer race in the hub if it was damaged. John may be able to tell you where to get the bearings. You will have to disassemble the rear end to remove the axles and to sleeve the housings. John also sells quality gasket sets for this. You might also want to check the pins in the sleeve that holds the drive shaft to the pinion gear, while you have it apart. Some times it is easier to find a complete differential than just axles. You probably would have to sleeve any that you bought. Examine any axle(s) for a smooth taper and do not buy one that does not have that smooth taper. A worn taper like your axle shows, will result in the hub not being tight enough on the axle. This can cause the key way to wear and result in a broken axle.

 

Once you have the housing repaired, grease your rear axle bearings with Sta Lube CRC SL3131 Heavy Duty Drum Brake Grease at least every 6,000 miles. I would check the condition of the grease and seal

 

https://www.amazon.com/CRC-SL3131-Heavy-Bearing-Grease/dp/B000CPJMYI/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1515374661&sr=8-5&keywords=crc+wheel+bearing+grease

 

NAPA also can order the grease for you, if they do not have it in stock.

 

I am sorry that I have to start off the new year with such bad news, but look on the bright side, you found the problem before the axle broke and caused damage.

[2nevets]

Thank you for all that information
Steve

[2nevets]

Does anyone  sell rebuilt rears that are ready to go?

that sleeve was for the axle shaft not what that roller bearing rides on.
did they make a sleeve for a worn shaft that goes over the axle and into the axle tube? 

Edited January 8, 2018 by 2nevets (see edit history)

[19tom40]

I have seen sleeves for the Model A axle. They are supposed to shim the axle so that the drum will not rub on the backing plate. The axle in your photo is an accident waiting to happen.

I don't know anyone that sells a rebuilt rear end for a Lincoln. I would check with the LZOC Technical Sources. What year is your car?

[2nevets]

43 minutes ago, 19tom40 said:

I have seen sleeves for the Model A axle. They are supposed to shim the axle so that the drum will not rub on the backing plate. The axle in your photo is an accident waiting to happen.

I don't know anyone that sells a rebuilt rear end for a Lincoln. I would check with the LZOC Technical Sources. What year is your car?

 

[2nevets]

1941