My rear axle pinion seal continues to leak after paying someone to replace two seals in the past 14 months. I think there must be a groove on the companion flange. I have been told the quickest and cheapest way to fix this is to install a very thin stainless steel sleeve (Speedi-Sleeve or Dura-Sleeve) over the grooved shaft of the companion flange. The new pinion seal will slip over this and ta-da... no leaks! A new companion flange at the dealer costs $217(Volvo part #1209369-6). I'm sure a sleeve is Much less. My question is: Has anyone out there ever used a sleeve? Where can I get a sleeve? Do I have to measure the old companion flange with calipers, or can I get a correct sized sleeve based on the Volvo part number above? By the way, I asked the service person at the local Volvo dealership if they ever put on sleeves and he didn't know what I was talking about. Do you think they prefer to sell the expensive part, or do you think he really had never heard of a sleeve? I don't know, just thinking out loud..
Thank you, best regards, and a happy new year to all,
Keith
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1990 740GL Wagon 223k AW70L B230F 8 Valve Non-Turbo Rex/Regina