Can't find the right tool, then make one (1 Viewer)

[Rifleman]

I've got a rear output seal leaking on my transfer case, so i bought a new factory seal from Toyota,

Now here is what i ran into with regards to replacing this seal, The factory seal has what i think is some type of dust lip sticking up about 1/8 of an inch from the face of the seal,

Problem is, all of the seal installing tools i have are flat faced disks, If i use one of those it will smash that lip while installing the seal, and could damage the seal,

So i machined a seal driver with a pilot to center the seal on the installing tool, along with a counter bore in the face of the tool for that dust lip to fit inside,

With this tool i can now hold, locate, center, and drive the seal into the case without worrying about causing damage to that dust lip,

In this first photo you can see how much that dust lip sticks up from the face of the seal,

In this photo you can see the custom seal installer i made, take note of the counter bore in it's face

This photo shows the seal being mounted on the installing tool

And this last photo shows the seal has been pushed flush on the installing tool

 

[Kernal]

Good job, do you have some dimensions of the modified seal installer tool?

 

[Rusty Marlin]

Did something similar to drive a rear bearing or seal on a Heep project my buddy needed help with this summer.
Haveing the machines to make custom tools as needed... .
I would be so lost with out my equipment.

 

[Rifleman]

Good job, do you have some dimensions of the modified seal installer tool?

Kernal, If you would like those dimensions PM me and i will send them to you, Just as an FYI i did not modify one of the Lisle seal drivers in my set, i machined this tool from a piece of 3 1/2 inch aluminum round stock,​

 

[Rifleman]

Did something similar to drive a rear bearing or seal on a Heep project my buddy needed help with this summer.
Haveing the machines to make custom tools as needed... .
I would be so lost with out my equipment.

Yes, having access to a small machine shop at home sure makes life easier, below are a few photos of just some of the equipment in my home shop

 

[mudgudgeon]

Yes, having access to a small machine shop at home sure makes life easier, below are a few photos of just some of the equipment in my home shop
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I officially hate you!






Not really, but I sure do have shed envy!

 

[bhsdriller]

step one acquire fully equipped machine shop

 

[Rifleman]

I officially hate you!






Not really, but I sure do have shed envy!

No Envy needed my friend, what you see in those photos is a lifetime of hard work and lots of sweat and overtime, I owned and ran my own machine shop, and my own auto repair shop,

Before that i worked as a AA tool & die machinist/machine repairman, before that i worked as a industrial machinist in the marine industry, and before that as a machinist in the aviation industry making turbo prop and turbine jet engine parts,

I'm retired now living in a small town of only 600 people, but i still enjoy keeping my mind engaged making parts in the shop, and as a big plus, it keeps me out of the house and away from my wife's list of never ending honey do projects,

 

[Rifleman]

step one acquire fully equipped machine shop

Yes i agree with you it helps having a big fully equipped machine shop like mine, but you'd be surprised the things you can make with a small bench top lathe, and bench top mill drill,

Both of these items are not very expensive on the used market, and they don't take up very much space in your garage,

Below is a 9 inch lathe for sale on Craig's list for 800 bucks, below it is a nice mill drill for 1100 bucks,

So for under 2 grand you have some pretty capable equipment to make custom parts with,

 

[mudgudgeon]

No Envy needed my friend, what you see in those photos is a lifetime of hard work and lots of sweat and overtime, I owned and ran my own machine shop, and my own auto repair shop,

Before that i worked as a AA tool & die machinist/machine repairman, before that i worked as a industrial machinist in the marine industry, and before that as a machinist in the aviation industry making turbo prop and turbine jet engine parts,

I'm retired now living in a small town of only 600 people, but i still enjoy keeping my mind engaged making parts in the shop, and as a big plus, it keeps me out of the house and away from my wife's list of never ending honey do projects,

Maybe there's a better word than envy if i take my tongue out of my cheek.

Appreciation maybe? I can certainly appreciate the well set up space and gear you have.

I do miss having garage space to set up tools and have a good space to tinker. Tinkering on stuff keeps me sane.

Life has taken me places a garage couldn't follow. For now . . .


And I wouldn't swap what I have for a garage.