Anyone had a problem with bad sleeves?

[TwistedMunky]

I ordered a Valeo clutch kit from RCM. I removed my old sleeve very easily. I tried to install the new one using a rubber mallet and pvc tube. It shattered after three hits. I emailed rcm and they shipped out another replacement sleeve the next day. This one lasted ONE hit. It shattered into pieces. Should I polish the shaft? I know steel should be stronger then this.

 

[Ishodu]

Yes you should clean up the shaft prior to installing new sleeve. And where are you hitting the sleeve? It has a ring on it near the bottom you should be using that portion to hit it down.

 

[TwistedMunky]

What grit should I use? I'm using the lip that sits back against the tranny. This is the part that shattered.

 

[sperold]

Clean up the old sleeve and put it back on.

 

[TwistedMunky]

I did reinstall the old one with loktite and the throw out bearing was loose. Rcm sent me another and it Broke into pieces. The original had to be destroyed to be removed. I spoke with a very good Source for Sho's. They are familiar with this problem and are working on helping me out.

 

[itwonder]

The kit I bought had a sleeve that was one solid piece with no retention tabs. It fit too tight even after polishing the shaft and I could tell it would never make it on without something bad happening. I got another sleeve, maybe it came from shonutperformance with the ceramic TOB, can't remember exactly. It had two retention tabs cut in it near the base. That one went on nicely, still a tight fit but no problem to install.

I used a scotchbrite disk to polish mine.

You can see the tabs in this photo (and the recommended Locktite 640 sleeve retainer)



Here's the polishing disk at work in an angle grinder. Think I found the kit at HD.

 

[SHOred]

Did you try heating the sleeve before trying to put it on? That should give it enough clearance to go on without shattering it.

Shored

 

[TwistedMunky]

I did heat i up and burned my arm with it. I have the mark still on my arm. I really think it was way to small. The original went on no problem, but felt worn out. I hope to order a replacement friday.