Yesterday while removing my driveshaft it began to rain and it got a little wet. I noticed this morning the end that slips into the tranny has some flash rust on it. Is this going to be a problem? If so, how should I address it? TIA.

 

Shouldn't be a problem. However, if it's bugging you; just lightly sand it, then lightly coat it with some tranny oil (just rub it on with a rag). Then install.

 

Fine steel wool is good also. Should just take off the rust. Heck, it'll even shiny it up!

 

Do not sand the surface where the seal rubs. Use the least aggressive method possible there - maybe just wd-40 and a coarse paper towel. If you must use steel wool, make sure to move it in a radial direction only so the scratches make circles.

The reason I say this is that any surface scratches can become oil leak paths. Diagonal surface finish marks will draw oil out under the seal lip.

Dave

 

Dapdas

 

try some real fine emory cloth, like everyone else said be careful and dont remove to much metal

 

from a sceintifical point of view yes this does sound best but in reality it is less than necessary. the oil seal will burnish the metal and create it's own sealing groove by polishing the metal, you can often see these grooves when you look at circular seal surfaces on flywheels, driveshafts, yokes, etc...

preferably you want a fine grit sandpaper or emery cloth or steel wool to keep the seal from wearing too much when breaking itself in again, if the surface is too rough it may cause the seal to lose too much seal tension and leak when it finally does break in.

 

800 to 1000 grit wet sand paper. It'll probably be smoother than before. Wipe it dry and oil.