Shaft Repair Sleeves

Lip seals and packing wear a groove into the shaft where they run. A new seal fitted into the same track leaks immediately. A thin-wall repair sleeve is pressed over the worn area to give a new surface at the original seal position, with only a slight increase in shaft diameter. A pump shaft sleeve is a thicker, replaceable part that protects the shaft under packing or a mechanical seal and is often keyed or locked in place.

Fitting a sleeve is a repair, not a cure. Find out why the shaft wore: misalignment, contamination, dry running or an unsuitable seal material.

• Thin-wall repair sleeves: usually stainless steel, with a flanged lead-in for installation; used under rotary lip seals.
• Pump shaft sleeves: replaceable, with keyed, threaded or set-screw retention; sold per pump model.
• Mechanical seal sleeves: sleeves that carry the rotating seal assembly.
• Coated and hardened sleeves: chrome-plated, ceramic-coated or tungsten carbide-sprayed for abrasive duty.
• Machined to order: sleeves made from drawing or sample; see metal machining.
• Installation tools: drivers that fit sleeves without distortion.

Seal makers typically ask for a surface hardness in the region of 45 to 60 HRC and a controlled finish for lip seals, but values here are typical only; always confirm against the manufacturer's data for your application.

1. Measure the shaft diameter with a micrometer in an unworn area near the groove.
2. Measure groove width and depth, and the width available for the sleeve.
3. Note the lip seal width and bore to ensure the sleeve fits the seal track.
4. Check shaft runout; an out-of-round shaft means the sleeve will run out of true.
5. Decide whether a thin-wall sleeve is enough or the shaft needs machining first.

Remember that the sleeve increases the shaft diameter slightly, so a seal one size larger may be needed. Also check the seal against measurement guidance for linear seals.

The more of the following you can supply, the faster the part can be identified and quoted.

• Shaft diameter and worn-area dimensions
• Seal make, size and width
• Pump or machine make and model for pump sleeves
• Operating speed, medium and temperature
• Condition of the shaft and runout
• Material and coating preference
• Photos of the groove and old sleeve

Customers can enquire about genuine or compatible replacement parts for equipment from manufacturers such as Burgmann, John Crane, Chesterton, Grundfos, KSB, Flygt, Lowara, Goulds, Sulzer, Flowserve, Klinger, Flexitallic, Trelleborg and others. A genuine part is supplied by or made to the original equipment manufacturer's specification and part number. A compatible part is made to fit the same dimensions and duty, usually by another manufacturer, and may differ in material or finish. Pump shaft sleeves for brands such as Grundfos, KSB, Sulzer, Goulds and Flowserve may be enquired as genuine or compatible; the fit depends on exact dimensions and tolerances. State clearly in your enquiry which you want, and say whether a part number or sample is available.

Globseals supports three ways to buy, and the right one depends on how well the part is defined.

• Buy online where a product listing shows a confirmed price. Products are being added to the shop progressively, so not every item in this category is listed yet.
• Request a quote for custom, bulk or unpriced items. Sleeves, tools and machined sleeves are quoted. Use the quote request page.
• Technical review when identification is unresolved. Examples include badly worn shafts, abrasive duty and high-speed equipment. Start with Find My Seal or upload a drawing.

You can also phone 011 079 6033 or WhatsApp 079 508 0989, or email info@globseals.com. See delivery and collection for how orders are handled; courier costs are quoted per order.

These pages help with identification and selection:

• Rotary shaft and oil seals
• Mechanical seals
• Compression packing
• Pumps and pump spares
• Pump repairs and refurbishment
• Common causes of seal failure